A Vrindavan preacher named Indradev Maharaj has been accused of sexual assault and intimidation by a woman from Pune, Maharashtra. The allegations stem from incidents that reportedly occurred when she was staying at his Sevadham Ashram in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, earlier in 2023.
Allegations of Abuse
According to the complaint filed by the woman, Indradev Maharaj allegedly summoned her to his room late at night under the pretense of fetching medicine. Once there, he is accused of forcing himself on her. The complainant also claims that the preacher engaged in further inappropriate conduct by making her undress during video calls and performing obscene acts, which he recorded.
The woman asserts that Indradev Maharaj threatened her with public humiliation to ensure her silence and compliance. During a press conference, she revealed that he told her, “I am God, and you have to obey,” to intimidate her into submission.
Legal and Social Reactions
The Kashimira police station in Mira-Bhayandar has registered a Zero FIR, which is transferable to Mathura where the alleged incidents took place. The FIR followed intervention by Trupti Desai, an activist leading the Bhumata Brigade. Desai organized a press conference in Pune, where the complainant shared her story alongside other women who also accused the preacher of similar acts.
Desai has called for the immediate arrest of Indradev Maharaj and a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. She emphasized the importance of bringing those who exploit women’s faith to justice and urged other victims to step forward and file complaints without fear.
Background and Ongoing Developments
The complainant stated that she came into contact with Indradev Maharaj in 2023 after viewing his discourses on social media. She later attended a religious gathering in Santacruz, Mumbai, where she received spiritual initiation from him. Trust was built as he promised to address personal issues she had confided in him, eventually leading to her visit to the Vrindavan ashram.
Despite her efforts to seek justice in Mathura, the complainant’s attempts had been overlooked until the Zero FIR was registered. The case has attracted significant attention, with activists and other alleged victims voicing their demands for accountability.
Source: NDTV India
