Hindu Priest From U.S. Charged with Sexual Assault in Oshawa, Ontario
Police say the accused used a healing ritual to deceive the woman, and investigators believe there may be other victims.
- On Wednesday, Durham Regional Police announced the arrest of Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, a 50-year-old Hindu priest from Richmond Hill, New York, charged with sexual assault following an alleged incident during a religious ceremony in Oshawa, Ontario.
- Investigators allege the victim's family hired Maraj for spiritual aid, but he deceived the woman by claiming she was "possessed by evil spirits" and required a special ceremony in a private location for healing.
- Officers from the Durham Regional Police East Division responded to a sexual assault call on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, near Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East, where the alleged assault occurred.
- Maraj has been remanded to custody pending a bail hearing; he is charged with one count of sexual assault, though the charge has not been tested in court.
- Suspecting there may be additional victims, police released a photo of the accused and urged anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Cronin at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1605, or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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Hindu priest arrested in Canada for sexually assaulting woman under guise of healing
Rest of World News: A US-based Hindu priest, Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, has been arrested in Oshawa, Canada, for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman under the pretense of conducting a religious healing ceremony. The incident has raised concerns about exploitation within faith-based practices.
US-based Hindu priest held in Canada for allegedly sexually assaulting woman on pretext of exorcism - The Tribune
The Durham police in Ontario, Canada, have arrested a US-based Hindu priest for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman during a religious ceremony after convincing her that she was possessed by evil spirits.
Hindu priest charged with sexual assault after luring woman into 'healing' in Canada
Police in Canada have charged a US-based Hindu priest with sexual assault after an alleged private healing ritual in Oshawa. Investigators say they fear there may be more victims and have appealed for information.
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