UP Man Arrested for Raping Woman After False Promise of Meeting with Spiritual Leader

Authorities have detained an individual accused of sexually assaulting a woman after deceiving her with a false promise of arranging a meeting with Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan, officials reported on Sunday.

The suspect, Sundaram, a resident of Radha Niwas, established contact with the woman from Agra through social media platforms, according to officials. The victim was a devoted follower of the spiritual leader.

Kotwali SHO Sanjay Pandey stated that the assault occurred on September 12.

On August 10, Sundaram sent her a message claiming he could arrange a private meeting with Premanand Maharaj, and subsequently on September 12, informed her that the meeting had been confirmed, Pandey explained.

Police reports indicate that the woman traveled to Vrindavan accompanied by her brother. Sundaram instructed the brother to remain in a parking area, explaining that vehicles were not permitted beyond that point, and transported the woman on his motorcycle, supposedly to meet the spiritual leader.

However, instead of escorting her to the ashram, he took her to a hotel called Radhakrishna Dham, offered her coffee allegedly laced with an intoxicating substance. The victim lost consciousness, after which the accused allegedly committed the sexual assault and captured inappropriate photos and videos, according to Pandey.

Subsequently, he reportedly used these materials to threaten the victim with public exposure and continued to assault her multiple times, the SHO reported.

Deeply traumatized by these events, the woman filed a formal complaint three days prior. Based on surveillance information, police apprehended Sundaram on Saturday afternoon near Deoraha Baba Ghat Road and presented him before a court, which ordered his judicial custody, Pandey added.

Officials confirmed that investigations are continuing, with efforts focused on gathering digital evidence related to the crime.