A self-styled tantrik named Chandrakant has been arrested by Ahmedabad police after he sexually assaulted women under the cover of religious and spiritual rituals, local police have alleged. There are allegations that the accused took advantage of the victims who came to the police for help for diseases, family disputes, financial problems, and other issues.
Police officials said Chandrakant portrayed himself as a spiritual healer with special powers to cure diseases and remove negative influences from the lives of his followers. He gained the trust of victims and their families by claiming he could cure them and bring about healing through rituals, prayers, and supernatural practices. He is accused of using this trust to sexually abuse women and falsely presenting his actions as part of the treatment or ritual process, authorities said.
The case was brought to light when one of the victims contacted the police and reported her experience. The woman said that Chandrakant had convinced her that certain rituals were necessary to cure health problems and to get rid of obstacles facing her life. Chandrakant exploited her and sexually assaulted her, the woman said.
After the complaint, investigators searched for and gathered evidence. Police said preliminary evidence indicated multiple victims might have been targeted over a period of time. As news of the arrest spread, authorities were also able to get additional information that could help determine whether other women had been subjected to similar abuse, the police wrote.
People in need of help are often easy targets for fraudsters who promise supernatural abilities or miracles, sources said. At times, victims are led to follow the instructions or participate in rituals based on assurances of recovery, prosperity, or relief from emotional anguish. Chandrakant might have been using these techniques to gain influence over those who sought his help, investigators said.
After initially gathering some evidence, Ahmedabad police detained the accused and conducted further questioning. He was subsequently arrested and booked under certain sections of the law for sexual offences, cheating, criminal intimidation, and other applicable charges. All the details have not been made public because it is very sensitive and in order to protect the identity of the complainants.
BIG NEWS 🚨 Tantrik Chandrakant arrested in Ahmedabad. Police said he used to rape victims in the name of performing rituals to cure illnesses 😳 pic.twitter.com/hizoPB8e8i
— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) August 18, 2026
Police officials have counselled people to be cautious when dealing with individuals who claim to possess extraordinary powers or guarantee miraculous solutions to medical, financial, or personal problems. All legitimate medical problems should be treated by professional healthcare providers, and any suspicious activity involving coercion, exploitation, or abuse should be reported immediately, they added.
Women's rights activists and social organisations have also expressed concern over such incidents, pointing out that vulnerable people are often targeted through fear, superstition, and false promises. They have called for more awareness campaigns to educate people about fraudulent practices and encourage victims to come forward without fear.
Chandrakant’s arrest has once again underscored the dangers of self-proclaimed spiritual healers who misappropriate public trust for their own gain. It will be investigated whether other victims may have been involved and whether the accused was acting alone or with the assistance of others as the investigation goes on.
The authorities assured the public of a thorough investigation and that all allegations will be examined based on evidence. Further details are expected to emerge as the case moves through the legal process.
