The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has reported an alarming case where a Hindu priest deceived a woman into thinking she was possessed by evil spirits and then allegedly sexually assaulted her during a religious ritual in Oshawa.
According to the DRPS statement released on Wednesday, the suspect was apprehended for taking advantage of his position and perpetrating sexual assault disguised as a religious ceremony in Oshawa.
The incident unfolded following a call reporting sexual assault on Tuesday, August 25, near Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East.
Investigators revealed that the victim and her family had enlisted the services of a priest from the United States for spiritual guidance.
The DRPS release disclosed how the priest misled the victim into believing she was plagued by evil spirits and required a specialized ceremony for healing.
Under the pretext of conducting a religious ritual, the suspect coerced the victim into a private setting where the alleged sexual assault took place.
The accused, identified as 50-year-old Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj from Richmond Hill, New York, was subsequently arrested and charged with sexual assault without resistance.
Authorities have expressed concerns about the possibility of additional victims in this disturbing case.
