NAGPUR: A Class XII girl, aged around 17, was allegedly raped twice by a godman at his Bhiwsenkhori residence on Friday by promising to conjure special divine power that would make her maternal uncle and aunt accept her boyfriend. Gittikhadan police had to rescue the godman from public wrath after the incident came to light.

The police arrested godman Somraj Gavai, along with his accomplice Sarika Borkar, and also seized aphrodisiac medicine and other paraphernalia for black magic rituals from Gavai's place. On Saturday, the court remanded Gavai in police custody till April 28 and sent Sarika to magisterial custody.

It's learnt that Neeta (name changed) was brought to city from Amravati around a month ago by her maternal uncle after her affair with a fellow villager. Neeta's family opposed her choice and decided to send her to Nagpur for a change of mind.

Neeta's uncle had taken her to Gavai's place to make her forget her boyfriend. Police said Gavai has been practicing occult at Bhiwsenkhori for the last four years with his visitors comprising local residents from weak economic background. He has been staying there along with Sarika whom he would introduce as his informally adopted daughter. Gavai claimed to possess spiritual healing powers. Sarika told the police she had been staying with Gavai after he cured her migraine problem.

Police said Gavai wanted Neeta's uncle to leave her at his place for some hours as invoking the special power to prepare medicine would take time. Once Neeta's uncle left, Sarika started convincing the survivor that Gavai would ensure that destiny changes for her. Sarika told Neeta that Gavai's miracle medicine would make her uncle and aunt support her decision and get her united with her boyfriend. All Neeta had to do for getting the medicine was to stay back at their place and wait till it was readied by morning, Sarika told her. Sarika also urged Neeta to follow whatever Gavai asked her to do.

Gavai later started making his moves beginning with disrobing himself and Neeta before entering into physical relation with her. Sarika is learnt to have waited in bathroom when Gavai raped Neeta. It was when Gavai repeated the act, Neeta wanted to return home. Gavai escorted Neeta to her uncle's place. Later, Neeta revealed her ordeal before her aunt who immediately raised an alarm in the neighbourhood. Local residents rushed to Gavai's place and started venting their ire.

Gittikhadan police team, under sub-inspector Pravin Patil, rescued Gavai and brought him to the police station.

Senior inspector of Gittikhadan police station stated that Gavai has been booked for rape and under relevant sections of Protection of Children Against Sexual Abuse Act 2012 and Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.

