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Divine Powers' Claim, Sexual Abuse: Another 'Godman' Arrested In Nashik
Police arrested 31-year-old Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Kakde, a self-proclaimed godman, for sexually exploiting a 28-year-old woman in Nashik district. The case was registered on April 22, 2026, after activists alerted authorities; he was arrested on April 23, 2026, and remanded in police custody until April 29.
Why It Matters
The case highlights ongoing concerns about abuse of power by individuals presenting as spiritual leaders and ongoing enforcement against non-traditional harmful practices; it also shows civil society involvement in reporting such crimes.
Timeline
7 Events
April 24, 2026: Article published ( syndication )
April 24, 2026
The article reporting these events was published on April 24, 2026, syndicated from NDTV.
April 24, 2026: Court remands the accused in police custody
April 24, 2026
A local court remanded him in police custody till April 29, 2026.
April 23, 2026: Arrest of the accused
April 23, 2026
The accused, Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Kakde (31), was arrested late Thursday night following the registration of the case.
April 22, 2026: Case of rape registered and booked under anti-black magic act
April 22, 2026
A case of rape was registered against the accused, and he was booked under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
2024: Sexually exploitative acts begin; obscene messages and photographs
2024
After the initial interactions, he began sending obscene messages on her mobile and gradually started sexually exploiting her, including taking objectionable photographs after taking her to a lodge.
2024: Godman meets the victim and claims divine powers
2024
There she met Maheshgiri, who claimed divine powers and told her she was affected by evil powers, guiding her to perform rituals.
2024: Victim's family seeks help at Shri Datta Devsthan Mutt
2024
In 2024, the victim and her parents took her to a Shri Datta Devsthan Mutt in Dharangaon (Khadak) village near Lasalgaon in Nashik district seeking help for family problems.