Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A Hindu priest from the United States has been arrested and charged with sexual assault in Canada after police alleged he exploited his religious position during a ceremony in Oshawa, Ontario. Durham Regional Police said the suspect was hired by a family to travel from the US and perform a Hindu religious ceremony. Police allege he later deceived a woman into believing she was possessed by evil spirits and needed a specific ritual to cure her.
advertisement
Members of the East Division responded to a sexual assault report on Tuesday, August 25, in the area of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East, according to the Durham Regional Police statement. Police said the victim and her family had hired the priest to perform the ceremony. The suspect allegedly convinced the woman that she was possessed and required a private ritual to be healed.
According to police, he then took the victim to a private location, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted “under the guise of performing a religious ceremony”. Police were later contacted and arrested the suspect without incident.
The accused was identified as Rajendranauth Doodnauth MARAJ, 50, of Richmond Hill, New York. He has been charged with sexual assault and was held for a bail hearing.
POLICE FEAR THERE MAY BE MORE VICTIMS
Durham Regional Police said they are concerned there could be other victims and have released a photograph of the accused as part of their investigation. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or similar incidents involving the accused to contact D/Cst. Cronin of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1605.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through its website. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward. The allegations have not been proven in court.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
