Pune, 13 April 2026: A shocking case of sexual exploitation and financial fraud has come to light in Pune, where a self-proclaimed godman allegedly assaulted a woman and cheated her of over ₹50 lakh.
According to police, the accused, Audumbar Manohar Gadde (43), claimed to possess divine powers and assured the woman that he could resolve her ongoing family disputes.
The 42-year-old complainant, who had been living separately from her husband due to personal issues, came in contact with him around five years ago through a mutual acquaintance.
Gaining her trust, he convinced her that he had supernatural abilities and could fix her problems. Using this influence, he allegedly called her to lodges in the Swargate area and sexually assaulted her.
The abuse reportedly continued at multiple locations, including Lonere, Uttekhole, and Mangaon, over a period of time.
Apart from the alleged assaults, the accused also lured the woman with promises of a job and high returns from investments in the construction business. Between May 2021 and recent months, he collected ₹50.55 lakh from her in cash and jewellery.
The fraud came to light when the woman realized she had been deceived and approached Swargate police on April 11. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
This incident comes close on the heels of similar cases in Maharashtra, where individuals posing as spiritual figures have been accused of exploiting women under the guise of divine intervention, highlighting a growing concern over such fraudulent practices.
