In a disturbing incident in Rajasthan, a temple priest, Baba Balaknath, has been accused of drugging and raping a woman after offering her prasad laced with sedatives. The case was registered on October 17, 2024, after a video of the assault surfaced on social media, causing widespread outrage.
The woman claims that on April 12, 2024, after finishing an exam in Sikar, the priest offered her a ride. During the drive, he gave her drugged prasad, making her unconscious. The priest allegedly assaulted her multiple times while his driver recorded the attack. The woman also reported that the duo threatened to release the video if she reported the crime, adding to her trauma.
This shocking betrayal of trust isn’t isolated. A similar case in Maharashtra earlier this year also highlighted the misuse of religious positions for horrific crimes. In July 2024, three men, including a priest, were arrested for the rape and murder of a 30-year-old woman near Shilphata. The woman, who regularly visited a religious site due to family disputes, was allegedly raped by the men, who later pushed her to her death from a hilltop. Police suspect she had been drugged, and the crime only came to light after an investigation into her disappearance.
Both cases point to an unsettling trend of exploitation under the guise of religious authority, sparking widespread concern and calls for stricter action against those who abuse positions of power. Authorities in both incidents are working to ensure justice for the victims, but the public outcry continues, demanding greater accountability.the case, and Baba Balaknath and his accomplices are under scrutiny as justice for this heinous act is sought.
