From Holiness To Horror: Arrests And Life Sentences For Spiritual Gurus Accused of Rape and Murder

Behind their charismatic facade lies a chilling truth - the conviction for heinous crimes like rape, exposing an abuse of power and the betrayal of trust.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 18 May 2023 4:51 pm

Controversial self-styled godman Asaram

In the realm of faith and spirituality, where seekers yearn for enlightenment and solace, there exists a sinister underbelly that casts a dark shadow on the pure pursuit of divine connection. Amongst the numerous spiritual leaders and gurus who guide their followers towards enlightenment, a select few emerge as self-styled godmen, wielding immense influence over their devoted disciples. However, behind their charismatic facade lies a chilling truth - the conviction for heinous crimes like rape, exposing a despicable abuse of power and the betrayal of trust.

From preaching holiness to committing the ultimate sin, these self-proclaimed godmen have been stripped of their divine facade as they face conviction for heinous acts of rape.

Asaram Bapu

In 2013, Asaram, a self-proclaimed godman, was arrested for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at one of his ashrams. The victim's parents had sent her to Asaram's ashram for spiritual lessons. Asaram called her to his room on the pretext of curing her and then raped her while her parents waited outside chanting his prayers. He also threatened to murder her family if she spoke about the incident. Asaram has built a veneer of holiness over the years with millions of followers around the world and properties worth millions of dollars across India. However, his phony appearance was exposed after his arrest, and the police are investigating him for corruption and forgery.

Swami Premananda

In 1994, Swami Premananda and his associates faced a highly publicized case marred by slanderous accusations. They were arrested and imprisoned on charges of rape and murder. Swami Premananda received two consecutive life sentences in 1997, which were upheld by the Chennai High Court (2002) and Supreme Court (2005).

Swami Amrita Chaitanya

The Shantitheeram trust was founded by the self-proclaimed spiritual guru. He was accused with fraud in the UAE. Interpol, an international organisation that fosters global police cooperation and criminal management, has issued an arrest warrant for the spiritual leader.

He is also charged with fraud in Kerala. He was eventually arrested, tried, and sentenced to 16 years in prison for raping two juvenile girls and creating pornographic movies of himself sexually abusing minor females.

Sant Rampal

The founder of Satlok Ashram, a self-styled religious leader, has been convicted for the murder of a woman and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. He was also found guilty of killing four women and a child during clashes with the police, resulting in an additional life sentence. Justice has been served, holding him accountable for these heinous crimes.

Paramahamasa?Nithyananda

The founder of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, another self-styled godman, initially faced charges of kidnapping and wrongful confinement of children at his ashram in Ahmedabad. Subsequently, he was booked for multiple instances of rape against a disciple. However, in 2019, the controversial figure 'fled' India, establishing his own self-proclaimed country.

Swami Sadachari

A notable 'godman,' once revered for performing rituals for esteemed dignitaries, was apprehended for operating an underground brothel. This shocking revelation has shattered the illusion of his spiritual fa?ade, shedding light on the dark secrets hidden behind his revered public image.

Ichchadhari Sant

Operating under the guise of a spiritual leader, Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanand Ji Maharaj Chitrakoot Wale, whose real name is Shiv Murat Dwivedi, was exposed for running a thriving flesh trade racket. The notorious swami was arrested not once, but twice, for his involvement in a large-scale sex racket in Delhi and subsequently in Mumbai.