Hindu priest arrested in Canada for sexually assaulting woman under guise of healing
A 50-year-old Hindu priest from Richmond Hill, New York, was apprehended in Oshawa, Canada, on allegations of sexually assaulting a woman, according to Durham Regional Police. The victim and her family had engaged the priest, named Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, to conduct a Hindu religious ceremony in the US. Police claim Maraj convinced the woman she was possessed by evil spirits and required the specific ceremony for healing.
He allegedly took advantage of her trust in his religious position, luring her to a private location for the purported healing ritual. During the encounter, Maraj is accused of sexually assaulting the woman while claiming to be performing the ceremony. Officers responded to a sexual assault report on Tuesday, August 25, near Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East.
Maraj was subsequently detained and charged with one count of sexual assault, awaiting his bail hearing.
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