Controversial godman Santhosh Madhavan, convicted for abusing minors, passes away in Kochi

KOCHI: Self-proclaimed godman Santhosh Madhavan, who was convicted in a case of molesting a minor girl, has died. He passed away in a private hospital in Kochi while undergoing treatment for heart disease. He was admitted to the hospital last day. Santhosh Madhavan was living without much contact with the outside world after his long imprisonment.

Santhosh Madhavan was an infamous godman, know for his shenanigans at Santhitheeram ashram. There were news and pictures of Santhosh Madhavan having relationship with many famous people including movie stars. Santhosh, a native of Kattappana, became a self-proclaimed godman under the name 'Swami Chaithanya'. Born in a poor family in Kattappana, he left home after failing in class 10. After that he worked many jobs. After this, he declared himself as a god and his fame skyrocketed. He became the owner of properties worth crores. Disciples and devotees queued up for darshan.

He mostly wore a pearly white dress, had a long beard and hair enough to mesmerize anyone. Santhosh Madhavan used to tell everyone that he was not a Swami but a spiritual person. The popularity increased with the constant visits of VVIPs including film stars.

But in 2008, everything turned upside down. Santhosh Madhavan's frauds and sexual assaults were exposed. He appeared in the Interpol's wanted list under the name 'Amrita Chaithanya'. The first complaint was filed against him by a foreign Malayalee alleging that he had been cheated of lakhs of rupees. He was arrested in this case. During the subsequent investigation, his sexual harassments also came to light. There were complaints of Santhosh Madhavan sexually assaulting minor girls in the name of 'nagnapuja'. CDs containing scenes of him sexually abusing girls were recovered from his residence. All this became crucial evidence in the case against Santhosh Madhavan. He was sentenced to 16 years rigorous imprisonment in the molestation case. Later, he was acquitted in one case.

Even after his imprisonment, there was no short of controversy. There were allegations that Santhosh Madhavan is getting VIP treatment in Poojappura Central Jail. There are also reports that poojas are being performed regularly in the jail and the prison officials are aiding him. He also allegedly denied treatment to many people by using his job as a doctor's assistant in prison and made land deals while in prison.