Who Is Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj? Priest Arrested in Durham for S*x Assault After Claiming Victim Had Evil Spirit
Durham Regional Police have arrested and charged a traveling Hindu priest from New York state with s*x assault after he allegedly coerced a woman into a private ritual under the pretext of cleansing her of evil spirits. Authorities identified the accused as 50-year-old Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj of Richmond Hill, New York.
A US-based Hindu priest has been arrested and charged with s*xual assault in Oshawa, Ontario, after Durham Regional Police alleged that he convinced a woman she was possessed by evil spirits and then used a purported religious healing ceremony as a pretext to assault her. The accused has been identified as Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, 50, of Richmond Hill, New York.
Police said Maraj had been brought to Canada by the victim's family to conduct a Hindu religious ceremony. Investigators allege that he subsequently persuaded the woman that she needed a specific ceremony to rid herself of the supposed spirits and took her to a private location, where the alleged assault occurred. Indian-Origin Man Gagandeep Singh Jailed for 34 Years in UK for Kidnap, Torture and Rape of Woman.
Priest Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj Arrested for S*x Assault in Oshawa
A Hindu pandit (priest) has been arrested after exploiting his position and committing sexual assault under the guise of a religious ceremony in Oshawa.
Full story: https://t.co/aOMAT86KjK pic.twitter.com/Yz6R2DfWKx
— Durham Regional Police (@DRPS) August 26, 2026
Who Is Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj?
Maraj is a 50-year-old Hindu pandit, or priest, who police say is based in Richmond Hill, New York. According to investigators, he travelled from the United States after being hired by a family to provide spiritual assistance and conduct a religious ceremony. Details about his religious organisation, professional background or previous activities have not been released by Durham Regional Police in its public statement.
Police have identified him as the accused in the investigation and have released his photograph while appealing for information from anyone who may have had similar contact with him. UK: Indian-Origin Woman Raped in Walsall's Park Hall Area, Police Call 'Racially Aggravated' Attack Horrific; 1 Arrested.
What Happened During the Alleged Ceremony?
Durham Regional Police said officers from the East Division responded to a s*xual assault report on August 25 in the area of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East in Oshawa. Investigators allege that Maraj told the woman she was possessed by “evil spirits” and required a particular ceremony to be healed.
Police said he then exploited the situation by taking her to a private location. Investigators allege that the s*xual assault took place there under the guise of conducting the religious ceremony. Police were subsequently contacted and Maraj was taken into custody without incident.
What Charges Does He Face?
Maraj has been charged with one count of s*xual assault and was held for a bail hearing, according to Durham Regional Police and multiple Canadian news reports.
The charge is an allegation and has not been proven in court. Maraj remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. No further charges had been announced in the police information available as of August 27.
Police Concerned About Possible Additional Victims
Durham Regional Police said investigators are concerned there may be additional victims. The force has released Maraj's photograph and is asking anyone with information about this incident or similar incidents involving the accused to contact investigators.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Cronin of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1605. Anonymous information can also be provided to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Investigation Underway
The case remains under investigation by Durham Regional Police. Authorities have not publicly provided further details about the alleged victim, citing the nature of the investigation. The allegations have also prompted attention because investigators say the accused allegedly used his position as a religious figure and the claim of a spiritual affliction to gain the victim's trust.
Police have urged anyone who may have information about Maraj or similar incidents to come forward as investigators determine whether there are other potential victims. For now, Maraj faces a s*xual assault charge in connection with the Oshawa investigation, while the allegations remain before the Canadian justice system.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2026 10:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
