Man arrested for raping daughter on ‘holy man’s’ orders

A MUMBAI businessman was arrested on charges of raping his daughter for nine years under the influence of a “holy” man.

The 60-year-old was allegedly told by the “tantrik” that the family would become wealthy if he had a sexual relationship with his daughter. He began raping his eldest daughter in 2000 when she was only 12, it was claimed.

A few months ago, the tantrik himself began allegedly raping the man’s second daughter, aged 15. The girls finally turned to their uncle and grand-mother who helped them complain to the police.

The police then arrested their father, the tantrik and their mother for abetting the crime. The victims’ uncle told the media that it all happened because of the tantrik and that all three should be hanged.

Police Inspector Anil Gopal said: “They have been arrested for rape of a minor. All three have been remanded to judicial custody and will be produced in court on March 21.”

Madhu Kishwar of Vimochana, a women’s rights group, said: “There should be a speedy trial and certainty of punishment.

“The death penalty might not be really effective since judges tend to be cautious while handing out the penalty.”