Pilibhit (UP), March 13 A self-proclaimed godman was arrested on Friday for allegedly raping a 23-year-old woman, claiming he was giving her medicine to help her conceive a son, officials here said.
The accused, Bhagwandin, a resident of Balrampur village, had reportedly been practicing occultism and providing traditional medicines for the last four to five years.
Circle Officer Puranpur Pratik Dahiya told reporters that an FIR was registered against the accused under relevant sections, including rape, based on a complaint filed by the victim's husband.
According to the police complaint, the victim's husband and mother-in-law had taken her to Bhagwandin's house. The accused reportedly lured them with the promise of a son through rituals and medicine.
"On March 11, after performing some rituals, the accused took the woman to a relative's house in Bilandpur Ashok village under the guise of administering the medicine. He reportedly asked the family members to stay outside and then sexually assaulted the woman inside a room," a police official said.
The victim was later rescued by her family members from the spot, following which they approached the police.
A forensic team has visited the crime scene to collect evidence. The accused is currently being interrogated, and further legal proceedings are underway, police added.