Kerala has been left shaken by a disturbing incident in Kollam district, where an astrologer VS Murari Thanthri has been accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl under the pretext of performing an exorcism ritual. Puthoor Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the accused, who is currently absconding.
The accused has been identified as Rajan Babu, also known as VS Murari Thanthri, a native of Areekkal. According to the police, he posed as an astrologer and claimed expertise in witchcraft and spirit removal rituals. Investigators say he gained the trust of the victim and her family by presenting himself as someone who could resolve personal problems through astrological practices.
Police revealed that the girl and her mother had earlier approached Rajan Babu seeking astrological advice. During these interactions, he allegedly told them that their troubles were caused by a spirit possessing the girl. He reportedly convinced them that the spirit could only be removed through a special ritual conducted at his residence.
Acting on his claims, the mother and daughter visited the astrologer’s house in Areekkal on Sunday. They arrived around 11 am but were made to wait for several hours. It was only around 3 pm that they were allowed to meet him, raising suspicion among investigators about the deliberate delay.
According to the complaint, Rajan Babu then took the minor girl inside alone, stating that the ritual required complete privacy. When the girl did not come out even after more than two hours, her worried mother went inside to check on her. She allegedly found her daughter in tears and visibly distressed.
The girl then narrated the traumatic ordeal she had suffered during the so-called exorcism ritual. Realising the seriousness of the incident, the family raised an alarm, and the matter soon came to public attention.
As news of the alleged assault spread, local residents gathered in front of the accused’s house and staged a protest. Amid the growing commotion and public anger, Rajan Babu reportedly fled the scene before the police could take him into custody.
Confirming the case, Puthoor SHO C Babu Kurup said that a formal complaint has been registered under relevant sections of the POCSO Act. He added that the accused took advantage of superstition and blind faith to commit the crime. Police teams have launched a manhunt and assured that Rajan Babu will be apprehended soon.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over fake exorcism practices and the exploitation of vulnerable families through superstition. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and report individuals claiming supernatural powers, especially when children are involved.
The case continues to be investigated, and further legal action will follow once the accused is arrested.