A Hindu priest from New York has been charged after police allege he sexually assaulted a woman under the guise of performing a religious ceremony in Oshawa.
Durham Regional Police say officers were called Tuesday to the area of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East following reports of a sexual assault.
Police allege the victim and her family had hired a Hindu priest, known as a pandit, to visit their home and perform a religious ceremony.
The suspect allegedly told the victim she was possessed by “evil spirits” and required a specific ceremony in a private location for healing purposes, police said.
Police allege the woman was sexually assaulted while the ceremony was being performed.
Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, 50, of Richmond Hill, N.Y., has been charged with sexual assault.
The charge has not been tested in court.
Maraj was held for a bail hearing.
Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to call Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1605, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
- The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres’ website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
- The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: +1 866 925 4419 or +1 800 721 0066 (24/7)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: +1 416 597 8808 (24/7)
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 (24/7)
- Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
- Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: +1 844 750 1648
- Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.
