Tamil Nadu: Self-Styled Godman Arrested Over Alleged Abuse, Hidden Camera Videos
Police said a laptop recovered from the accused contained more than 50 videos involving women and schoolgirls. Investigators are examining the digital material and probing whether others were involved in the alleged operation.
A 50-year-old self-styled godman has been arrested in Tamil Nadu's Salem district for allegedly exploiting women and minor girls under the pretext of conducting occult rituals, secretly recording them and distributing the videos, police said on Sunday. The accused, identified as Vijayaraja, allegedly operated an occult ritual centre called Saneeswara in Vazhapadi, TOI reported.
Police said a laptop recovered from the accused contained more than 50 videos involving women and schoolgirls. Investigators are examining the digital material and probing whether others were involved in the alleged operation. Tamil Nadu Shocker: 6 Men Kidnap, Gang Rape 40-Year-Old Woman Travelling In Taxi Near Chennai Bypass Road; Arrested.
Case Came to Light After Schoolgirl Approached Him
According to police, the case came to light after a schoolgirl who had gone to Vijayaraja to collect donations for a Vinayagar Chaturthi festival was allegedly subjected to inappropriate conduct.
The girl reportedly informed her parents, following which relatives and local youths went to the ritual centre. Police said Vijayaraja locked the premises and fled when the group approached. Locals later traced him to a nearby location, restrained him and handed him over to Vazhapadi police. Tamil Nadu Shocker: 2 Men Arrested Under POCSO Act for Allegedly Gang-Raping 14-Year-Old Girl in Chengalpattu.
Police Recover More Than 50 Videos
Investigators said a laptop recovered from Vijayaraja contained more than 50 videos allegedly showing women and schoolgirls in compromising circumstances.
Police suspect the recordings were made secretly inside the ritual centre. His mobile phone and other digital storage devices have also been seized as part of the investigation. Authorities are examining whether the material was distributed through online networks and whether other people were involved.
Sedatives Allegedly Used During Rituals
Police allege that Vijayaraja gave some visitors drinking water or food presented as prasad, which may have contained sedatives. Investigators suspect he then used hidden cameras to record them without their knowledge.
Police further allege that some women were abused while they were in an incapacitated state. These allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Into Online Distribution
During questioning, police said Vijayaraja allegedly told investigators that an online portal had offered payment for such videos. According to the police account, he allegedly recorded the victims and sent the footage to the website. Investigators are now examining the alleged online distribution network and trying to determine whether additional people or platforms were involved.
From Factory Worker to Self-Styled Godman
Police said Vijayaraja had previously worked at a utensil manufacturing unit, which later shut down. He subsequently began presenting himself as a godman and practitioner of occult rituals, according to investigators. The centre in Vazhapadi was allegedly used to conduct the rituals and interact with people who approached him seeking help.
Police Probe Underway
A case has been registered against Vijayaraja under relevant provisions of law. Police have seized electronic devices and are analysing the material as part of the investigation. Authorities are also examining whether there are additional victims and whether anyone assisted the accused in recording, storing or distributing the videos. The allegations have not been tested in court, and the investigation is continuing.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2026 08:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
