Self-styled ‘godman’ held in Mumbai for alleged sexual exploitation of women

A 37-year-old man, who previously worked as a gym trainer and later projected himself as a ‘spiritual healer’, has been arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly luring women to his residence and sexually exploiting them under the guise of religious rituals, as per reports.

The accused, Rhythm Panchal, popularly known as ‘Bhondu Baba’ in the Malad area, is alleged to have called women to his home at odd hours, including midnight, where he subjected them to exploitation and extorted money in the name of healing practices.

Police reportedly said more than 60 women have so far come forward with complaints against the accused.

As per reports, Panchal began presenting himself as a self-styled godman around four years ago after working as a gym trainer. He allegedly held sessions twice a week, during which he claimed to possess supernatural powers and presented himself as an incarnation of a goddess capable of curing ailments.

Officials said he specifically targeted vulnerable women, including those facing personal and medical difficulties such as infertility. He allegedly summoned victims late at night and forced them to undergo obscene acts under the pretext of performing rituals.

In return for these so-called treatments, Panchal is reportedly accused of demanding large sums of money and other items, including liquor, cigarettes and animal products (chicken). He also allegedly enacted possession rituals and inflicted harm on victims as part of purported exorcism practices.

The matter came to light after some victims alleged that they were threatened by the accused, who allegedly sent associates to intimidate them into silence.

One of the complainants approached advocate Siddharth Sharma, who assisted in bringing the case to the attention of the police.

A case has been registered by Dindoshi Police under multiple serious charges.