Attempted to sexually abuse 16-year-old in name of exorcism; Muraru Tantri arrested

KOLLAM: An astrologer who went into hiding after allegedly attempting to sexually assault a 16-year-old girl under the pretext of performing an exorcism has been arrested. The accused, Rajan Babu, also known as V S Murari Tantri, a native of Vendaar Areekkal, was taken into custody by Puthoor Police from Bharanikkavu. A case has been registered against him under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections. He had been absconding after switching off his phone.

Police said the incident took place in Puthoor, Kollam. The girl and her mother had previously visited Murari for astrological consultations. He allegedly told the mother that her daughter was possessed and that this was the cause of her problems. He then offered to perform rituals to remove the spirit.

Following this, the mother and daughter visited his house in Areekkal. They arrived around 11 am but met him only at about 3 pm. He reportedly asked the mother to wait outside and took the girl alone into a room. When the girl did not come out even after more than two hours, the mother went inside to check. The girl then came out crying and revealed the ordeal. As the incident came to light, locals gathered in front of the house and protested. Amid the commotion, the accused escaped through the back door of the house. Murari Tantri is known to be active on social media, including through reel videos and other content.