Fake ‘Godman’ Arrested in Pune: Dark Side of Superstition Exposed

Pune, Maharashtra – In a dramatic crackdown on superstition and fraudulent spiritual practices, Pune police arrested a self-styled ‘baba’—popularly referred to as a ‘bhondu baba’—for allegedly exploiting and deceiving dozens of people under the guise of miraculous powers. The arrest has reignited debates about the prevalence of blind faith and the urgent need for public awareness in Maharashtra.

The Arrest

On Thursday, local police raided a makeshift ashram on the outskirts of Pune, where the accused, identified as Rameshwar Sharma (alias ‘Baba Satyanand’), was conducting so-called healing sessions. According to police sources, Sharma had been operating for several months, attracting people from neighboring villages with promises of curing chronic illnesses, removing bad luck, and solving personal problems through mystical rituals.

Acting on complaints from several victims and a tip-off from an anti-superstition NGO, the police arrested Sharma and seized various items used in his ‘rituals’, including talismans, powders, and fake holy water. Preliminary investigations suggest that Sharma charged hefty fees for his services, sometimes demanding jewelry or cash as ‘offerings’.

Victims Speak Out

Many locals who fell prey to the baba’s tricks have come forward to share their experiences. Sunita Patil, a resident of a nearby village, said, “My husband was suffering from a long-term illness. We went to the baba after hearing about his miracles. He made us perform strange rituals and charged us Rs 20,000, but nothing happened. I now realize it was all a fraud.”

Another victim, Rajendra Pawar, revealed, “He claimed he could remove black magic from my family. He made us stay overnight at his ashram and took our gold chain as an offering. We never got it back.”

Police and Administration React

Pune Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta addressed the media, stating, “We have booked the accused under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013. We urge citizens to be vigilant and report such activities immediately.”

He further emphasized the police’s commitment to rooting out such fraudulent practices, saying, “No one will be spared if found exploiting people’s faith for personal gain.”

The Larger Problem of Superstition

Maharashtra has a long history of battling superstition, with activists like the late Dr. Narendra Dabholkar leading the fight against black magic and fraudulent godmen. Despite the enactment of strict laws, such cases continue to surface, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

Social activist Meena Deshpande commented, “It’s heartbreaking that even in 2025, people are falling prey to such charlatans. The government, media, and civil society must work together to spread scientific temper and awareness.”

The Role of Media and NGOs

The arrest was largely possible due to the intervention of a local NGO working against superstition. The group had been tracking complaints and gathering evidence for weeks before alerting the authorities.

ABP LIVE, which first broke the story, has called for a sustained campaign against such exploitation. In a televised debate, experts urged viewers to question extraordinary claims and to seek medical help for health issues instead of turning to self-proclaimed godmen.

What’s Next?

The accused is currently in police custody and will be produced before the court soon. Authorities are appealing for more victims to come forward and share their stories, promising full protection and support.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many demanding stricter enforcement of anti-superstition laws and greater investment in public education.

Conclusion

The Pune ‘bhondu baba’ case is a stark reminder of the dangers of blind faith and the urgent need for vigilance. As Maharashtra continues its fight against superstition, the hope is that such arrests will deter others from exploiting people’s trust and suffering in the name of miracles.