US-based Hindu priest arrested in Canada over alleged ritual sexual assault

A 50-year-old US-based Hindu priest, Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, has been arrested in Canada on charges of sexual assault, according to police. The arrest came after a woman reported that she was coerced by the priest into participating in a ritual that turned violent. The incident occurred on August 25, 2026, when officers from the Durham Regional Police East Division responded to a call near Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East.

Maraj, who was performing religious services at the victim's home, allegedly convinced her that she was possessed by evil spirits and needed a special healing ritual. He then allegedly took her to a private location and sexually assaulted her under the guise of conducting the ritual. The suspect, who is from Richmond Hill, New York, has been remanded to police custody pending a bail hearing.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward, as they suspect there may be additional victims. Maraj's international travels for religious purposes have led investigators to believe that similar schemes could have targeted other individuals.