New Delhi : A woman in West Bengal has accused Padma Shri awardee monk Kartik Maharaj of raping her several times in 2013 on the pretext of offering her a job at a school. Kartik Maharaj, who is known to be close to the BJP, has denied allegations. The woman alleged that Maharaj, a monk of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, 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.
One night, the woman claimed that the monk entered her room and forced himself on her. She claimed that the monk raped her at least 12 times over six months between January-June 2013. She said that she remained silent about the incident all these years out of fear and helplessness. The monk threatened to die by suicide if she approached the police.
Police sources confirmed that a complaint had been lodged, and a case has been registered against Kartik Maharaj under relevant sections. An investigation is currently underway. However, Maharaj, who was conferred the Padma Shri – the fourth-highest civilian award – this year, has denied any wrongdoing. He also said that there is provision of accommodation at the said ashram mentioned by the woman.
The case has garnered attention due to the monk’s close ties with the BJP. Previously, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had accused him of helping the saffron party in the elections and working against the Trinamool Congress. Maharaj had sent a legal notice in 2024, seeking an unconditional apology from Banerjee for “tarnishing” the image of his ashram.
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