Godman Daati Maharaj joins probe in rape case

New Delhi: Self-styled godman Daati Maharaj accused of raping a disciple in his ashrams here and Rajasthan joined the probe in the case here on Tuesday and was questioned for over seven hours, the police said.

He was sent a notice asking him to join the probe by Wednesday. He reached the Crime Branch office on Tuesday around 2.30 pm and was questioned for over seven hours, they added.

A senior police officer said that the godman has been asked to appear again for questioning on Friday. He was questioned by a team led by Rajesh Deo, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), comprising an assistant commissioner of police and other officers.

The officer said that he was questioned on the allegations levelled against him by the complainant and whether he knew the victim. He denied the allegations against him, he added.

On Saturday, a Delhi Police team had visited the godman's ashram in Pali, Rajasthan, to gather evidence.

The team, which failed to find the godman at the ashram, was accompanied by the rape victim.

The woman had filed a complaint last Sunday against Daati Maharaj at the Fatehpur Beri police station here in south Delhi.

The case was later transferred to the Crime Branch.

The woman had alleged that she was sexually abused at Daati Maharaj's ashrams in Delhi and Rajasthan.

Delhi Commission for Women had recently demanded the godman's arrest.

The Delhi Police had earlier issued a lookout circular against Daati Maharaj to ensure that he does not leave the country.