Five people were arrested in Maharashtra's Palghar district for allegedly repeatedly raping a 35-year-old woman for several years as part of a "black magic" ritual "for the family's peace and success", police said on Sunday.
These suspects, who are friends of the victim's husband, exploited her vulnerability by promising to eliminate purported "vastu mistakes" in her home and counteract evil spells through black magic rituals, a police official said.
The ordeal began in April 2018 when the accused convinced the victim that her husband was under a malevolent spell. To restore peace, they insisted that she participate in certain rituals.
These perpetrators would visit her residence when she was alone, administer "panchamrit", which was actually a spiked drink, and then sexually assault her.
The incidents unfolded in locations such as Yeoor forest in Thane, a religious institution in Kandivali, and a resort in Lonavala.
In addition to the sexual assaults, the accused extorted gold and money from the victim, alleging that these were required for various rituals to ensure peace, prosperity, and a secure government job for her husband.
The criminals managed to take away a total of Rs 2.10 lakh cash and valuable gold items.
Following the woman's complaint, which was filed on September 11, a police team took action and arrested the suspects.
Authorities are now investigating whether these individuals employed a similar modus operandi to victimise others.
The accused face charges under the Indian Penal Code, including under Sections 376 (rape), 376(2)(n) (repeatedly committing rape on the same woman), and 420 (cheating).
Furthermore, the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act of 2013 has been invoked in this case, Palghar's Superintendent of Police Balasaheb Patil said.
One more person planted in Raj Bhavan with sinister intent: Bengal Governor
In an audio message released on Friday, the Governor claimed that Raj Bhavan received a confidential report that political forces had planted one more person in the Raj Bhavan with sinister intent.
Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Raebareli
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday filed his nomination papers from the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Congress workers and Samajwadi Party workers turned out in full force to welcome Rahul to Raebareli.
'Daro mat, bhaago mat': PM Modi's stinging jibe at 'Shehzada', top Congress leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, hours after he was fielded from Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency, the seat vacated by former Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
Trinamool govt wants to make Hindus second-class citizens in Bengal: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday claimed that the Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal government wants to make the Hindus second-class citizens in the state.
Will bring back politics of 'sewa' in Amethi: Priyanka
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Friday that the grand old party would bring back the politics of "sewa" to Amethi, where the party has fielded Kishori Lal Sharma.
Helicopter crashes en route to pick up Shiv Sena leader in Maha's Raigad
In a shocker, a private helicopter which was flying to pick up Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare, suddenly crashed on landing, officials said here on Friday.
LS polls: Rahul Gandhi to contest from Raebareli, K.L. Sharma in Amethi
Ending days of suspense, the Congress has finally announced that Rahul Gandhi will contest from the Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency, the seat held earlier by his mother Sonia Gandhi.
Govt soon to launch Kidney transplant procedures at GB Pant Hospital: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha announced on Thursday that the state will soon commence kidney transplant procedures at the GB Pant Hospital and informed that the government is considering the establishment of an iron removal plant for water within the hospital premises.