Ujjain: A case of rape was registered against Gyandas Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar of the Nirmohi Akhada and head of Dadu Ashram on Sadaval Road, following a complaint by a woman from Shajapur district.The FIR was filed at Mahakal police station after an investigation. Police later raided the ashram but found it locked, with the accused absconding.Mahakal police station in charge Gagan Badal said that the case was registered late Friday night under Sections 69 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).The complainant, in her early 30s, claimed that she met Gyandas Maharaj at Dutt Akhada Ashram about a year-and-a-half ago and began assisting him with gaushala and social work, for which she was paid a monthly wage.She alleged that during Guru Purnima 2025, she visited the ashram with her brother; when she wanted to leave that night, Maharaj allegedly sent her brother home and asked her to stay, with two other women at the ashram also asking her to stay back. She alleged that she was served kheer laced with intoxicants and raped.When she objected, she alleged, Maharaj pressured her into silence. She further alleged that she was later threatened with death, assaulted, shown obscene photos and videos, and warned she would be framed in a honeytrap case if she complained.Prior to the FIR, Gyandas had denied the allegations, telling TOI on July 28 that the complaint was a honeytrap attempt. He alleged that the woman and an acquaintance were demanding an ashram, Rs25 lakh in cash, and a house worth Rs50 lakh from him. “I had already complained to the police three days before their complaint,” he said.Police said during the investigation, he did not produce evidence to substantiate his claims.
