A shocking incident has surfaced from Kerala’s Kollam district, where a self-styled priest and astrologer has been arrested for allegedly raping a young woman under the guise of performing an exorcism. The accused, 52-year-old Rajan Babu, also known as ‘Murari Tantri,’ had gained significant fame on social media, which he used as a tool to trap unsuspecting victims.

The Sinister Plot: A resident of Vendar village, Rajan Babu ran a popular Facebook page called “Murari Jyothilayam,” where his reels on astrology had earned him a state-wide following. According to the police, a mother recently approached him, believing her daughter was “possessed by spirits.” Seeing an opportunity to exploit them, Rajan convinced the family that a special tantric ritual was necessary.

The Crime: During the ritual at the victim’s house, Rajan instructed the mother to wait outside, claiming he needed to perform a secret ceremony with the daughter in isolation. Once the door was locked, he brutally assaulted the young woman. The victim immediately informed her mother after the ordeal, leading to an immediate police complaint.

Investigation and Arrest: The news triggered massive local protests outside Rajan’s residence. The accused tried to flee and hide in a local hostel but was eventually tracked down and apprehended by the police. He has been booked under severe charges, including rape and the POCSO Act. Investigations revealed that Rajan was previously an auto-rickshaw driver who reinvented himself as an astrologer to extort large sums of money. Authorities are now probing if more women were victimized by his deceptive practices.