'Alleged cult leader was caught in fraud case 20 yrs ago'

According to the Crime Branch, Mumbai Police, who are investigating the case of Sunil Kulkarni, alleged 'cult' leader of Shifu Sunkriti, he was arrested by the Pune police in a fraud case 20 years ago. The accused came under the scanner recently on charges of influencing two young women to leave their parents' home in Malad.

Sources said Kulkarni was arrested by Pune police for duping a man to the tune of Rs 3 lakh on the pretext of clearing his bank loan. "Kulkarni had posed as a bank employee and conned the complainant," said a police officer.

A Magistrate Court remanded Kulkarni to police custody till May 3, on charges of cheating and trafficking, on Friday. Public prosecutor R Suryawanshi said Kulkarni would prescribe sedatives to his followers, who were mostly between the age group of 18 to 25 years old, on the pretext of treating them. "Once they came under the influence of drugs, he would turn them against their parents and coerce them into sexual activities," he said.

Kulkarni, who plans to defend himself in court said, "The court should record the statements of the women. They were harassed by their parents and had also filed a complaint with the Malad police."