Padma Shri Awardee Monk Accused Of Rape And Forced Abortion By Bengal Woman

A renowned monk and Padma Shri recipient Kartik Maharaj has been accused by a woman of sexually assaulting her several times in 2013 on the pretext of offering her a job at a school. The spiritual leader, who is affiliated with the Bharat Sevashram Sangha and has reportedly maintained close ties with the BJP, has refuted the claims.

According to the woman's complaint, Maharaj took her to an ashram in Murshidabad, with the promise of employment at Chanak Adivasi Abasik Balika Vidyalay, which is a school run by the ashram. She stated that she was assured of a teaching position and that the monk even arranged for her to stay at the ashram, India Today reported.

However, she alleged the spiritual leader began sexually assaulting her shortly after her arrival. The woman claimed that the monk entered her room one night and forced himself on her. She claimed over a span of six months from January to June 2013, the monk raped her at least 12 times.