Tantric priest arrested for alleged rape of 13-year-old girl in Banda

A 55-year-old tantric priest has been arrested in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, on charges of allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl during a purported healing ritual. The accused, identified as Parshuram Yadav, was taken into custody following a complaint filed by the victim's mother.

According to police accounts, the woman from the Naraini area approached Yadav seeking treatment for her ailing daughter. The accused offered to perform a traditional healing ritual, commonly referred to as "jhadphoonk," which involves exorcism or folk spiritual practices. It is during this session that the alleged assault occurred.

Authorities registered a case against Yadav following the disclosure of the incident. Police said preliminary investigations are underway, and the victim has been referred for medical examination. The case highlights recurring concerns about vulnerable children being exploited under the pretext of spiritual or alternative healing practices in parts of India.

The arrest comes amid growing scrutiny of unlicensed practitioners who operate in rural and semi-urban areas, often targeting families seeking affordable medical alternatives for their relatives.