A woman in West Bengal has accused Padma Shri awardee monk Kartik Maharaj, also known as Swami Pradiptananda, of raping her multiple times in 2013 at his ashram under the pretext of offering her a teaching position at a school. Kartik Maharaj has refuted the allegations, claiming they are a conspiracy to "malign his name and fame." He stated that his legal team would address the matter in court.
The woman alleges that the monk, associated with the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, took her to an ashram in Murshidabad, promising her a teaching job at a school in the ashram premises. She was also provided accommodation at the ashram.
According to the woman, one night, the monk entered her room and forcibly raped her. She claims the assaults occurred at least 12 times over six months between January and June 2013.
She stated that she remained silent about the incidents for years due to fear and helplessness. The monk allegedly threatened to take his own life if she reported the matter to the police.
The survivor further claims that after becoming pregnant in 2013, the accused, along with some school staff, took her to a private nursing facility in Berhampore and forced her to undergo an abortion.
A complaint has been registered, and a case has been filed against Kartik Maharaj under relevant legal sections. A detailed investigation is currently underway.
Reportedly, Maharaj has close ties with the BJP. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had accused him of supporting the BJP during elections and working against the Trinamool Congress.
In response, Maharaj sent a legal notice in 2024, demanding an unconditional apology from Banerjee for "tarnishing" the reputation of his ashram.
These allegations come at a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress government is facing protests following a law student's claim that she was gang-raped on a Kolkata college campus by a former student, who is also a TMC functionary, and two other senior students.
