Bengal Woman Accuses Padma Awardee Monk Kartik Maharaj Of Rape, Threats, And Abortion
First Published: 28th June, 2025 17:10 IST
Amid reports of horrific gangrapes in the state, a woman from West Bengal has filed a complaint against Padma Shri recipient Swami Pradiptanandaji, popularly known as Kartik Maharaj of Bharat
Amid reports of horrific gangrapes in the state, a woman from West Bengal has filed a complaint against Padma Shri recipient Swami Pradiptanandaji, popularly known as Kartik Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, accusing him of raping her at least 12 times over six months between January-June 2013.
The woman alleged that Maharaj took her to an ashram in Murshidabad, promising her a teaching job at a school situated in its premises. She was also given accommodation at the ashram. Instead of giving her the job he started raping her.
According to her complaint, the alleged abuse spanned over a decade, with ashram members involved, who even forced her to undergo an abortion.
The woman in her complaint said that she met Kartik Maharaj in 2012 when he offered her a job at Chanak Adivasi Abasik Balika Vidyalaya, in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, where, she alleged, he raped her.
In June 2013, the woman said, she got pregnant and was forced to undergo an abortion at private facility in Behrampore.
She further claimed that she was then asked to vacate the hostel, and was promised that she would get a salary at home.
The payments ceased, though she continued visiting the ashram fortnightly until 2019.
She said that she remained silent about the incident all these years out of fear and helplessness. The Maharaj threatened to die by suicide if she approached the police, an India Today report said.
Also Read: Two more die, death toll in Kanchanjungha train mishap rises to 10: West Bengal hospital dean
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