Godman attempts rape on devotee, flees on raising alarm

In yet another case of attempted rape by a godman, a self-styled spiritual leader baba Sriram Sharma has been booked under IPC 354  (Assault or criminal force with intent to outrage her modesty) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. The victim, a 45-year-old woman belonging to a business family came across the godman at the Kanakadurga temple, Basheerbagh, a few weeks back. 

During their meeting, the woman shared her woes with him. She said that her family was going through great financial crisis and that she needed a permanent solution for the problem. The godman said that a puja needs to be done at her home. He also instructed the woman that no one else, apart from her should be present at the time of the puja. The family members obliged to his instructions and left before the puja.

Taking advantage of the situation, the godman tried to rape the woman. When she raised an alarm, he fled the spot and is absconding since then. A police official said, "The victim resisted the accused and raised a hue and cry .The accused fled out of fear and later victim approached the police." The victim's family owns a bar-cum-restaurant.

Meanwhile police has said that they are investigating the case. The godman is said to be a pretty popular face in television and it is also learnt that he has contacts with influential politicians. 

• telangana
• south
• godman
• rape
• molestation
• woman
• television