Wed Feb 04 07:27:13 UTC 2026: # Priest Accused of Rape Under the Guise of Remedial Rituals in Karnataka
The Story:
A priest in the Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, identified as Krishna Rao, has been booked by Banakal Police on February 2, 2026, for allegedly raping a woman under the pretense of performing rituals to remove flaws in her horoscope. The complainant stated that she sought Rao’s guidance regarding her marriage prospects, after which he claimed to have identified astrological flaws requiring specific rituals. The alleged rapes occurred multiple times, beginning in November 2025, under the guise of these rituals.
Key Points:
- The incident occurred in Mudigere taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka.
- The accused is Krishna Rao, a priest.
- The complainant sought guidance on marriage prospects.
- Rao allegedly claimed her horoscope had flaws (doshas) requiring rituals.
- The alleged rapes occurred from November 2025.
- The case is booked under sections of the BNS and the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Key Takeaways:
- The case highlights the vulnerability of individuals seeking spiritual guidance to exploitation.
- It underscores the continued relevance and enforcement of laws protecting marginalized communities, such as the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
- The incident may erode public trust in religious figures and institutions.
First Piper 