NAGPUR: More horror stories are emerging from the jailed psychologist-cum-counsellor's residential clinic in east Nagpur with more survivors coming forward to share their trauma that continued uninterrupted for over a decade.
The counsellor would take girl students into his chamber late at night for therapies that went on well past midnight. Three offences have been registered at Hudkeshwar police station after a whistle-blower exposed the sordid saga two months ago.
TOI had highlighted the bizarre activities of the counsellor and how his wife and another accomplice, also booked in the case, are on the run.
Sources stated explicit pictures and videos of at least 18 girls were found in the cell phone gallery of the accused, who exploited girls, mostly minors.
The psychologist-cum-counsellor, who claimed to be a gold medallist in his subject, lured parents to send their children to him for day-long sessions to ensure their personality and mental development that would enhance their academic performance. "The psychologist charged hefty amounts for his courses, which often totalled to ₹9lakh annually," said a source.
Counsellor held for sexual exploitation and blackmail of 50 students at Nagpur clinic over 15 years The source stated he would touch girls inappropriately in his chambers under the pretext of 'acupressure' to release their stress and other physical and mental problems. "The psychologist first collected detailed information on the family background and personal life of the girls and then won their confidence. Later, he would start making advances, beginning with touching girls, offering liquor, and eventually sexually exploiting them, stating such activities would release stress and increase focus on academics. He was able to convince the girls that a physical relationship was inescapable," said the insider, adding the psychologist made videos and collected pictures of their intimate moments on his cell phone to blackmail them later.
Many of the survivors are married and are finding it difficult to lodge a formal police complaint, fearing social taboo.
The insider stated the counsellor was associated with another expert who had a clinic near Shankar Nagar. "The counsellor later started his own residential clinic in east Nagpur, which quickly gained popularity, and many joined even from neighbouring districts of Chandrapur," said the source, adding the psychologist-cum-counsellor always offered a colourless liquid to the girls, stating it was mandatory before therapies.
"The psychologist often did not allow families to speak to their children in his residential unit, stating the effect of his treatment would get diluted if they distracted them. This was probably done to ensure families remained oblivious to the abuse of their children," said the source, adding the psychologist wanted to ensure he had active sexual partners.
(The victims identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)