Sexual assault during ‘exorcism’: Kerala HC junks bail plea of accused

Kochi: High court has dismissed the bail petition filed by Rajan Babu, also known as Murari Thantri, who was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl on the pretext of performing an exorcism.A bench of Justice Kauser Edappagath dismissed the petition, observing that despite the final report having already been filed, the seriousness of the allegations prevented HC from granting bail to the accused. Murari Thantri, a native of Vendar in Puthur, Kollam, was arrested on Feb 8 by Puthur police following a complaint lodged by the mother of the minor girl.The mother and her 16-year-old daughter had earlier approached Babu for astrological guidance. He allegedly told them that the girl was possessed by an evil spirit and that this was the reason for their problems. He further claimed that he could remove the evil spirit through an exorcism ritual. Later, on Feb 8, the mother and daughter visited his residence at Vendar to perform the prescribed rituals. Babu reportedly asked the mother to remain outside the room before taking the girl inside alone, where he allegedly committed the offence.Based on the mother's complaint, police registered a case against Babu under various provisions of BNS and Pocso Act and arrested him. While considering the bail petition, HC observed, upon perusing the case diary, that the allegations against the accused were extremely serious and prima facie disclosed a premeditated criminal act on his part. Accordingly, HC dismissed the petition.