Pune Horror: IT Professional Alleges 17 Years of Abuse by Self-Styled Godman, 8 Arrested
Kharadi, 17th June 2026: In a case that has sent shockwaves through Pune, the Kharadi Police have arrested two self-styled godmen and six women for allegedly subjecting a highly educated woman to years of sexual, physical and psychological abuse under the guise of spiritual practices.
The case comes close on the heels of the recent controversy involving self-styled godman Ashok Kharat in Nashik.
The primary accused has been identified as 59-year-old Radhamohan Mishra, a resident of Mauli Sadan in Ubale Nagar, Pune. His associate, Swami Kanwal Nayan, 58, has also been arrested along with six women allegedly linked to the operation.
Based on the survivor’s complaint, Kharadi Police have registered a case under relevant sections pertaining to rape, criminal conspiracy and provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.
According to police, the alleged abuse took place over a prolonged period between 2009 and 2026.
Investigators said the survivor is a highly educated professional employed with a private IT company, while her parents are doctors.
Police said the woman’s family first came into contact with Swami Kanwal Nayan after her father visited his ashram. Through him, the family was introduced to Mishra, whose ashram, named Gurudev Sadhana Dham Trust, was then operating in Panchkula.
According to the complaint, the family gradually came under the influence of the accused, who allegedly projected himself as a divine figure possessing spiritual powers.
The survivor alleged that her father financed the initial expenses of Mishra’s “modern gurukul” and that she later stayed at the ashram, where the accused allegedly sexually assaulted her.
The complaint further states that in 2010, the accused persuaded the woman and her family to relocate to Pune. Between 2013 and 2016, Mishra allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual assault, physical violence and psychological abuse.
The woman has also alleged that the accused recorded explicit videos of her, coerced her into separating from her husband and fraudulently transferred her property into his name.
Police said the accused allegedly exploited the faith and trust of the survivor’s parents, causing them to doubt her allegations for several years.
After enduring the alleged abuse for nearly 17 years, the woman reportedly sought refuge at her home in another state. Following discussions with her parents and disclosing the details of her ordeal, she approached the police and lodged a formal complaint.
The accused were produced before a local court on Wednesday. The prosecution sought police custody to investigate the alleged use of black magic and inhuman practices, identify possible accomplices and trace any explicit content that may have been recorded or circulated.
Accepting the prosecution’s plea, the court remanded Mishra, Kanwal Nayan and the six co-accused women to police custody until 20 June.
The accused were represented by advocates Sudhir Shah, Vijaysingh Thombre and Nivrutti Karad, while Assistant Public Prosecutor Yogesh Kadam appeared for the state.
Police said further investigation is underway.
