Pune: Self-Styled Godman Swapnil Lande Booked for Allegedly Sexually Exploiting 14-Year-Old Girl

Pune, 14th August 2026: A complaint has been filed against self-styled godman Swapnil Lande, a Pune-based figure who claimed supernatural and divine powers, for allegedly sexually exploiting a 14-year-old minor girl under the pretext of religious rituals.

According to the complaint lodged by the victim’s family at Vadgaon Maval police station under Pune Rural Police, Lande presented himself as a “Guruvar” and cultivated an aura of authority and influence among followers. He allegedly told the girl he would help her secure good marks in her Class 10 examinations and, under the guise of chanting a mantra into her ear, made her sit on his lap and behaved inappropriately with her.

The complaint further states that Lande emotionally manipulated the minor by assuring her that she could approach him whenever she faced any difficulty or crisis in future, promising to resolve all problems. The alleged acts caused severe mental trauma to the victim.

Police have registered a case and begun an investigation. Lande is currently absconding, and Pune police are searching for him. Investigators are also examining whether he used similar claims of divine or miraculous powers to exploit or financially cheat others. Associates of Lande are likely to be questioned, and efforts are on to ascertain if there are more victims.

Videos of the accused have gone viral on social media. The incident has triggered concern in Pune over the misuse of religious belief and superstition to exploit minors and women. Police and observers have reiterated the need for caution against self-proclaimed godmen who claim supernatural powers. Further details are expected as the probe progresses.