Cases of spiritual gurus raping their disciples have come to the limelight in recent years, with self-proclaimed babas like Ram Rahim and Asaram Bapu heading the chart. There is a new addition to the concurrent list and this time it’s from the national capital. Famous spiritual guru Dati Madan Maharaj, known for worshiping the Hindu lord Shani, has been charged with rape by none other than her previous disciple.
The disciple, in her complaint, told the police that she had been raped twice in 2016 by Dati Madan Maharaj, once at his Shani temple in Fatehpur Beri in New Delhi and later at his ashram situated in Alawas village of Pali district in Rajasthan. However, the drummer-turned-caterer-turned-saint claims he is innocent and is absconding.
Case Registered:
Acting on the complaint, the Delhi Police have registered cases against Maharaj under the IPC sections of 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 376 (Rape), 377 (Unnatural offences) and 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). Also, the crime branch of the Delhi police has taken the case in its control and the Inter-state cell’s help is being taken.
Since the complaints are serious and involves the security of women’s dignity, the court too registered the alleged victim’s statement under CrPC’s section 164 on Tuesday. Speaking to the media, victim’s lawyer Pradip Tiwari too expressed his hope to get justice for the victim.
Journey From Madan to Sri Sri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Dati ji Maharaj
Born in 1950 at a Meghwal community (Drummer’s community) in Alawas village of Pali district in Rajasthan, Madan learnt to play drums (dholak) from his father Devaram, who died when he was just seven-years-old. After that a relative brought Madan to Delhi where he started with tea stalls and rose to become a caterer in no time.
Madan met an astrologer in 2016 and started his own shop in Greater Kailash in New Delhi with the name Dati Maharaj. His prediction worked for a politician in 2018, who donated his parental land to Madan in Fatehpur Beri. Soon Madan started capturing nearby places.
In 2010, Mahakumbh Shri Panchayati Mahanirvarni Akhara in Haridwar crowned Madan as Mandaleshwar, who later converted his name to Sri Sri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Dati ji Maharaj. Madan started his you tube channel and became popular with his television shows. Soon, he made his ashram at his Pali residence. (Navbharat Times, June 13)
Why Suddenly a Case?
The 25-year old victims in her complaint, registered with Fatehpur Beri, said that she was been raped and tortured in 2016. But, was afraid to file the complaint as she was threatened by the Madan, alias Dati Maharaj and co. Since two years have passed and now she is no more associated with the ashram, she has gained the courage to file the complaint.
What Next?
With cases of rape by spiritual leaders on their disciples being registered here and then, it is high time people ask themselves, do they need to blindly follow saints? Is there a requirement to send their daughters to ashram to develop a moral character? If cases like Dati Maharaj, Ram Rahim and Asaram Bapu do not open the eyes of people, nothing will.
Photo credit: hindi.nyooz.com