MUMBAI: A self-proclaimed “godman” may have trafficked and enslaved dozens of women including minors at several retreats in Delhi and across the country, officials said Tuesday, in the latest case of an Indian spiritual leader accused of sexual abuse. Women and young girls were found in locked rooms at several ashrams, or spiritual communities, across Delhi, said Ajay Verma, a lawyer appointed by the Delhi High Court to prepare a preliminary report. Earlier this year, another self-proclaimed godman claiming more than 1 million followers was convicted of raping two women followers under rape laws that were recently tightened. In the current case, women and girls appear to have been lured under the pretext of spiritual guidance, said DCW chief Swati Maliwal. He must be found and arrested, and the women and girls rescued and rehabilitated,” she said.

Source: New Strait Times December 26, 2017 23:26 UTC