A self-styled spiritual guru has been arrested for sexually exploiting and blackmailing educated young women in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district after reaching out to them with promises of spiritual direction and personal growth, according to a police report. Abhishek Mishra alias Adikarta Narayan Das, 29, was arrested in the city of Mathura after he was taken from his ashram-like house in Radha Kund district for allegedly sexually exploiting and blackmailing educated young women with promises of spiritual guidance and personal enlightenment.
The case was revealed after a 22-year-old BSc Nursing student from Chhattisgarh filed a complaint at the Govardhan police station on May 25. In her complaint, the woman said Mishra offered her milk as “prasad” during a visit and claimed it had spiritual significance. She said the drink contained an intoxicating substance that made her lose consciousness soon after taking it.
The complainant also alleged that while she was unconscious, the accused sexually assaulted her and secretly recorded obscene photographs and videos. Police alleged that Mishra used the material to threaten and blackmail her, demanding ₹5 lakh and warning that he would release the videos if she refused to comply.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Singh said the complainant had travelled to Mathura to visit her elder sister, who was engaged in training with a public sector oil company and was connected with the accused's religious group. It was there that she met Mishra.
After the complaint was received, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched an investigation. During a search of the accused’s residence and digital devices, investigators allegedly found more than a dozen objectionable photographs of different men and women on his mobile phone.
Police also rescued two young women and a man from the premises. The rescued individuals were handed over to their families. The police are now investigating the relationship with the accused and whether they were victims of the same type of exploitation.
Preliminary evidence shows that Mishra built a huge online following via YouTube and other social media sites and has been spreading religious messages and spiritual content. Police believe that he used these platforms to draw followers, particularly educated women (engineers, students, and senior executives in big companies).
The investigators think the accused targeted ambitious and educated people by giving spiritual mentorship, emotional support, and promises of personal transformation before exploiting them. Authorities have indicated that there may be more victims, and they are now seeking any information.
Mishra told police he graduated in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Roorkee five years ago. He said he used to work for a private firm with an annual salary of about ₹20 lakh before leaving his corporate career and moving to Mathura.
According to police, he initially operated from rented premises before acquiring a house in Radha Kund, which he allegedly converted into an ashram-like centre for followers.
Suresh Chandra Rawat, Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural), said, “Legal proceedings are on, and the accused has been sent to judicial custody.” He said that the investigation into Mishra’s background, financial transactions, and possible links with other victims is being looked into further, and the investigation is ongoing.
The arrest has stirred up widespread concern about the use of spirituality and social media to manipulate vulnerable individuals. Police said the investigation is ongoing and that details are likely to emerge as digital evidence and witnesses are studied.
Officials have warned of the dangers of trusting people who claim to have spiritual leadership and credentials and have cautioned that they may not be genuinely there to help, mentor, or have a life-changing influence on our lives.
