The godman delusion

A still from a viral video where Maharashtra Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar is seen washing the feet of Ashok Kharat, an astrologer, who was arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch for allegedly raping a woman and exploiting many others

A few days ago, an astrologer was arrested in Nashik for allegedly exploiting women clients. Even more disturbing were earlier visuals of a senior public figure publicly honouring the same man.

This contradiction defines the system. On the one hand, there is action. On the other, there is validation.

Unless the law is implemented rigorously, fraud by godmen and astrologers and the exploitation they thrive on will continue to recur. Maharashtra has seen this cycle too often: every few years, a new case, brief outrage, and then silence.

This is not an isolated problem. A few years ago, a self-styled godwoman from Mumbai was accused of dowry harassment, exposing yet again how individuals operating under the guise of spirituality often cross into outright criminal behaviour.

In another shocking instance, a so-called godman subjected followers to inhumane acts, beating them with sticks, forcing them to hold shoes in their mouths, and even making them drink urine, all in the name of exorcism.

These are not stray incidents. They are warnings. And yet, the response remains predictable.

These individuals do not operate in secrecy. Their presence is visible, loud, and normalised. Advertisements promising miracle cures, instant solutions, and guaranteed results are openly displayed on banners, in local media, and across social platforms. They build followings not only through belief but also through carefully crafted visibility.

If this is so obvious to the public, why does it escape the attention of the system?

Or is it simply ignored until it becomes impossible to overlook?

Maharashtra's Anti-Superstition Law was meant to address exactly this kind of exploitation. It was designed to act as a safeguard against practices that misuse faith and prey on vulnerability. On paper, it is a progressive and necessary law.

But in reality, it has largely become reactive.

It is invoked after complaints are filed or when incidents spiral into public controversy. By then, the damage is already done. Victims have already suffered, financially, emotionally, and sometimes physically.

Where is the prevention?

There is little evidence of consistent monitoring of such activities. Misleading advertisements continue unchecked. Outrageous claims are made openly, without scrutiny. Awareness efforts are minimal, leaving many unaware of what constitutes exploitation under the law.

And then there is the more uncomfortable truth, political validation.

Time and again, public representatives are seen visiting such figures, sharing platforms with them, or appearing in videos and posts that praise them. Whether intentional or not, this sends a powerful signal.

For the common citizen, it builds trust. If a political leader is seen endorsing or associating with a "baba," it creates a perception of legitimacy. It reassures people that such individuals are credible. And once that perception takes hold, questioning disappears.

This has a direct impact on enforcement as well. Authorities are less likely to act swiftly against individuals who appear to have political backing. Even when complaints exist, hesitation creeps in. Action slows down, scrutiny weakens, and accountability becomes selective.

This is how the cycle sustains itself.

Blind belief grows. Exploitation expands. The system hesitates. And only when a serious incident occurs does the administration step in, quickly, visibly, but far too late.

The contradiction is impossible to ignore. On one hand, the state claims to fight superstition. On the other hand, its own ecosystem often legitimises it, through silence, inaction, or endorsement.

Breaking this cycle requires more than just laws.

First, enforcement must become proactive. Authorities need to monitor and act against fraudulent claims and misleading advertisements before they cause harm. Waiting for victims to come forward defeats the purpose.

Second, awareness must be prioritised. People need clear information about what is illegal, what constitutes exploitation, and how to seek help. Without awareness, even the strongest law remains ineffective.

Third, political leadership must lead by example. Public figures must recognise that their associations carry weight. Even indirect endorsement of such individuals can legitimise them in the eyes of thousands.

Faith is personal. But fraud in the name of faith is a crime.

If the intent to address this issue is genuine, the message must be consistent and uncompromising; exploitation will not be tolerated, regardless of who is involved.

Until then, the pattern will not change.

Every few years, another case will surface. There will be outrage, action, and then silence.

And the system will keep arriving late, after another victim, another complaint, and another preventable story.

Sanjeev Shivadekar is political editor, mid-day. He tweets @SanjeevShivadek

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The views expressed in this column are the individual's and don't represent those of the paper