Twitter
Advertisement

Kerala: Woman chops off Swami's genitals, alleges she was being raped for years; CM calls it courageous step

The woman said she took the drastic step in self defense.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

A 23-year-old woman in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram chopped off the genitals of a Swami from an ashram after he allegedly tried to rape her on Friday night.

The 'godman' has been identified as 54-year-old Hari alias Ganeshananda Theerthapada Swami​.

According to a report on The News Minute, police say the woman gave a statement alleging that the Swami had been abusing her for several years, since she was in her high school.

"She knew that no one would believe her if she said she had been sexually assaulted by a man of god. So, this was perhaps the only thing she could think of," the Circle inspector of Pettai station told TNM. 

The woman has been taken to a women’s shelter run by the government.

Theerthapada , who ​belongs to the Panmana Ashram in Kollam, is now out of danger after surgery. He ​used to visit the woman's house to conduct pujas for her sick father.

Meanwhile, the Panmana Ashram, which was founded by social reformer Chattambi Swamikal, said in a statement, “The Swamy had left the ashram 15 years ago after completing his studies.”

A case has been registered against the Swami under IPC section 376 (rape) and under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act. No case has been registered against the woman.

Meanwhile, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan praised the girl, saying it was a courageous step. 

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement