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Police on Friday arrested a self-styled godman on charges of raping a woman on the pretext of offering traditional medicines in Odisha’s Sambalpur district.

The incident came to light Rairakhol area of Sambalpur where the suspect, identified as Prafulla Mahala, allegedly raped an unmarried tribal woman when she approached him for treatment for her health problems.

According to sources, the suspect was from Bhalaipadar village under Manamunda police station Boudh district and he presented himself as a spiritual leader for several years and had been living in a monastery in Baishnabjholi under the jurisdiction of Rairakhol police for several years.

It is alleged that when the woman approached Mahala for treatment, he administered some intoxicating substances to her and then raped her.

Sources also added that despite the ordeal, the woman managed to flee the location. However, due to her deteriorating health condition, she was admitted to a hospital in Rairakhol.

Following her complaint, Rairakhol police arrested the suspect and initiated investigations.

“The victim is undergoing a medical examination while the suspect is currently in our custody. The medical reports will help establish the truth behind the allegations,” said Prashant Meher, SDPO of Rairakhol.

The SDPO further said that the woman reportedly approached the godman because of a previous acquaintance.

Meanwhile, the accused self-styled godman claimed innocence and denied the charges against him, including allegations of offering traditional medicine to the woman.

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