Self-styled godman held for 'raping' tribal girl in Odisha

Police on Friday arrested a self-proclaimed godman on charges of raping a woman on the pretext of offering traditional medicine in Odisha's Sambalpur district.

The incident came to the fore from Rairakhol area of Sambalpur where the accused, identified as Prafulla Mahala, allegedly raped an unmarried tribal woman when she approached him seeking treatment for her health issues.

As per sources, the accused hailed from Bhalaipadar village under Manamunda police station in Boudh district and he had been presenting himself as a spiritual leader and living in a monastery at Baishnabjholi under Rairakhol police jurisdiction for several years.

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It is alleged that when the woman approached Mahala for treatment, he administered some intoxicating substances to her and subsequently raped her. 

Sources also added that despite the ordeal, the woman managed to escape the location. However, due to her deteriorating health condition, she was admitted to a hospital in Rairakhol.

Following her complaint, Rairakhol police arrested the accused and launched an investigation. 

“The victim is undergoing a medical examination while the accused is currently in our custody. The medical reports will help ascertain the truth behind the allegations,” stated Prashant Meher, SDPO of Rairakhol.

The SDPO further said that the woman reportedly approached the godman because of a previous acquaintance.

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Meanwhile, the accused self-styled godman claimed innocence and denied the charges pressed against him including allegations of offering any traditional medicine to the woman.