Pune: ‘Godman’ Booked for Rape, Rs 50 Lakh Fraud; Swargate Police Register Case
Swargate, 13th April 2026: In another case highlighting the menace of self-proclaimed godmen, the Swargate police have registered a case against a man for allegedly raping a woman and cheating her of ₹50 lakh by claiming to possess divine powers.
The accused, identified as Aundubar Manohar Gadde (43), a resident of Solapur district, allegedly exploited the 42-year-old woman over a period of five to six years.
According to the complaint, the woman was facing marital issues and living separately from her husband when she came into contact with the accused around five years ago through an acquaintance. Gadde allegedly introduced himself as a spiritual healer, claiming he had divine powers and could resolve her family disputes.
Police said the accused lured the woman under the pretext of solving her personal problems and called her to a lodge in the Swargate area, where he allegedly raped her. He later called her to another location in Mangaon, where he again sexually assaulted her at a lodge.
The accused also allegedly cheated the woman of ₹50 lakh by promising her a job and investment opportunities in the construction sector. The money was allegedly taken in cash over time, along with gold ornaments.
The exploitation reportedly continued for several years until the woman realised she had been deceived and approached the police.
An offence has been registered, and further investigation is underway by Police Sub-Inspector Patil.
The case comes close on the heels of similar incidents in Maharashtra, including the arrest of Rishikesh Shrikant Vaidya in Pune for a comparable offence, and a recent case in Nashik involving another accused, Ashok Kharat, posing as a godman.
