Chikkamagaluru: Koppa police have arrested Satish Patre, who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman on multiple occasions by claiming that he could rid her of evil spirits. The arrest was made in Bengaluru after police traced him to JP Nagar, where he had allegedly been staying while evading arrest.
The case came to light after a woman from Hassan district filed complaints alleging that Patre had exploited her belief in exorcism and subjected her to repeated sexual assault. According to the complaint, the accused claimed he could remove evil spirits through rituals and took her to different locations where the alleged assaults occurred.
Police registered cases following the complaints and began efforts to trace the accused. He was reportedly absconding for nearly a month before being apprehended in Bengaluru.
Woman alleges repeated assaults during exorcism rituals
According to the complaint, Patre allegedly persuaded the woman that she needed an exorcism to rid herself of evil spirits. The survivor alleged that he used this claim as a pretext to sexually assault her on several occasions.
The alleged incidents took place at locations near the Durga Parameshwari temple in Mekanahadlu village in Koppa taluk and at Kudregundi in Thirthahalli, according to the complaint.
The allegations suggest that the accused allegedly used claims associated with supernatural remedies to gain the woman’s trust and exploit her vulnerability. The precise circumstances of each alleged incident will be examined as part of the investigation.
The survivor approached the Koppa and Narasimharajapura (NR Pura) police stations to report the alleged offences.
Cases registered at two police stations
Following the complaints, a rape case was registered at Koppa police station. A separate case was registered at NR Pura police station under the law prohibiting black magic and related practices.
The cases involve allegations of sexual assault and the use of practices presented as remedies for supernatural influences. Police began investigating the complaints and searching for Patre after he allegedly went into hiding.
The registration of the cases enabled officers to pursue the accused and gather information relevant to the allegations.
Accused traced to JP Nagar in Bengaluru
Police efforts to locate Patre continued after he allegedly became unavailable following the registration of the cases. Investigators eventually traced him to JP Nagar in Bengaluru and arrested him.
He has been taken into custody for further legal proceedings. The investigation will examine the allegations made by the survivor and the circumstances surrounding the reported incidents.
The arrest marks a development in the case after weeks of efforts to locate the accused. Further details about the investigation and any additional evidence were not available in the information provided.
Earlier controversy involving a minor
Patre had previously faced criticism over a separate incident involving a minor girl. He was accused of making the girl drink chicken blood under the pretext of driving away evil spirits.
Videos purportedly showing the incident circulated on social media and reportedly triggered widespread outrage in parts of Karnataka, particularly in the coastal and Malnad regions.
The earlier allegations and the current case have drawn attention to concerns about people allegedly using claims of supernatural remedies to exploit vulnerable individuals. However, the allegations in each case must be assessed separately through the legal process.
Investigation continues
The arrest has enabled police to proceed with further legal steps in the case. Investigators are expected to examine the complaints and other relevant material as part of their inquiry.
The case also highlights the importance of reporting sexual assault and seeking assistance from law-enforcement authorities rather than relying on individuals who promise supernatural cures.
The allegations against Patre remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. Police have not, in the information provided, disclosed further details about the next stages of the case.