Hidden cameras, dark web: Self-styled godman held in TN for sexually abusing women
A man posing as a godman in Tamil Nadu was arrested for sexually abusing women and minors and distributing illicit videos on the dark web. The crimes were discovered after a victim alerted her family, leading to the suspect's capture by locals.
Why it matters
This case highlights the dangers of predatory behavior disguised under religious or occult pretenses and the role of digital platforms in facilitating exploitation.
NEW DELHI: A self-styled godman, who allegedly duped people by claiming to perform occult rituals, was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing women and minor girls, filming them in an obscene manner and selling the video clips, police said on Sunday.The accused, identified as Vijayaraja (50), was running an occult rituals centre named 'Saneeswara' at Vazhapadi near here. Police said he allegedly filmed women and girls secretly under the pretext of performing rituals and distributed the footage through dark web forums.The crime came to light when Vijayaraja allegedly attempted to molest a schoolgirl who had approached him to collect donations for the Vinayagar Chaturthi festival.The frightened girl informed her parents, following which a group of family members and local youths reached the ritual centre.
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