A godman, Swami Poornananda, has been arrested in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, following allegations of sexually assaulting and torturing a minor girl at his ashram. The 15-year-old victim, who had lost her parents at a young age, lodged a complaint stating that she was confined at the Swami Gnanananda Ashram and subjected to sexual abuse for more than two years.
According to the victim, the godman would take her to his bedroom every night and rape her. She further revealed that she had been physically tortured during her time at the ashram. The young girl claimed that she was given minimal food and allowed to bathe only once a week. After enduring these horrifying conditions, she managed to escape with the help of a domestic worker and sought assistance from a fellow passenger on a train.
Upon learning of her traumatic experience, the passenger tried to admit her to a hostel but was asked to provide a police letter. With the obtained letter, they approached the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) where the victim recounted the sexual and physical assault she endured at the ashram. A case was registered against Swami Poornananda under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
The accused has alleged a conspiracy against him, claiming that people are attempting to seize the ashram land. It is worth noting that this is not the first time Swami Poornananda has faced allegations of sexual assault, as he was previously arrested in 2012 but later released on bail. The authorities are currently investigating the matter, providing medical examination and support to the victim, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such heinous crimes.