Monk held on rape charges in Idar

Palanpur: A monk was arrested on Saturday on the charges of raping and threatening a Sundrendra-based woman in Idar on August 22.

The 49-year-old mother of a girl in her police complaint dated August 25 has alleged that the monk, Raja Saheb Rajtilak Sagarji of Pavapuri jalmandir temple in Idar, had raped her in the worship room known as Uppashra during noon hours.

On August 22, the survivor had gone to the monk to seek his blessings. In the room the monk allegedly asked her to marry him, saying that he wanted to keep her as his wife and also take care of her daughter.

Later, the accused allegedly raped her. He also threatened to kill her daughter if she disclosed the incident to anyone.

“On Friday, on the basis of her compliant registered under sections 376(1) 295 and 506 (2) of Indian Penal Code, we arrested the monk. On Saturday, the monk was produced before a court. The monk was sent to a sub-jail after the request for his remand was turned down by the judicial court,” said M D Zala, inspector with Idar police station.