A former IIT Roorkee student who left a high-paying corporate job to become a self-styled spiritual leader in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura has been arrested on allegations of sexually exploiting women who joined his religious circle. Police claim the accused used social media to attract followers, persuaded them to join his group, and later manipulated some women under the guise of spiritual and social practices.
The accused, identified as Abhishek Mishra, also known as Adikarta Narayan Das, was arrested near Radha Kund in Govardhan. Investigators say a complaint from a young nursing student triggered a probe that uncovered allegations of sexual harassment, blackmail, and exploitation.
Arrest follows complaint from nursing student
The case surfaced after a 22-year-old BSc Nursing student from Chhattisgarh approached police with serious allegations against Mishra. According to her complaint, she had travelled to Mathura to meet her elder sister, who was linked to Mishra's religious group while undergoing training with a public sector company.
The student alleged that Mishra served her milk as "prasad" and claimed it contained an intoxicating substance. She told police that she lost consciousness after consuming it and was later sexually assaulted. She further alleged that photographs and videos were recorded without her consent.
Police said the accused later demanded Rs 5 lakh and allegedly threatened to release the videos if the money was not paid.
An FIR was subsequently registered at Govardhan police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to rape, criminal intimidation and sexual harassment.
What is Gandharva Vivah?
Gandharva Vivah is one of the eight traditional forms of marriage described in ancient Hindu texts. It is generally understood as a marriage based on the mutual consent of a man and a woman, without the involvement of elaborate rituals, parental approval, or formal ceremonies. Unlike conventional Hindu weddings that include sacred rites such as the saptapadi (seven steps around the holy fire), Gandharva Vivah is said to take place through the voluntary acceptance of each other as partners. Historical and religious texts often associate this form of marriage with unions arising out of love and personal choice. However, in modern India, legal recognition of a marriage depends on compliance with applicable laws and procedures rather than solely on references to ancient traditions.
From engineering graduate to online spiritual influencer
Investigators said Mishra originally belonged to Bhubaneswar and had been living in Mathura for the past three years. During questioning, he reportedly told police that he completed a Mechanical Engineering degree from IIT Roorkee and worked in the Delhi-NCR region before shifting to Mathura.
According to police, he initially operated from rented accommodation and later bought a house near Radha Kund, where he ran activities resembling an ashram.
Officials suspect that Mishra built his following through YouTube and other social media platforms, where he regularly posted spiritual discourses. Police believe these online sessions helped him attract educated followers, including professionals and women employed in large companies.
Alleged ‘Gandharva marriages’ under scrutiny
Investigators claim that Mishra encouraged followers to enter into so-called "Gandharva marriages", a form of union that does not involve traditional ceremonies, witnesses or formal rituals.
Police allege that he gradually gained influence over members of the group and used that influence to establish inappropriate relationships with women associated with the organisation.
“He manipulated women associated with the group and established physical relationships with them,” DSP Anil Kumar said.
Obscene photos recovered, followers rescued
During the investigation, police examined the accused's mobile phone and reportedly recovered more than a dozen obscene photographs involving different men and women.
Authorities also rescued two young women and a man from the premises and later handed them over to their families. Police said at least three women have been freed from the ashram-linked setup so far.
Sources associated with the investigation indicated that multiple people connected to the group have come forward with complaints. A joint complaint letter signed by several men and women has also been submitted against the accused.
Police continue wider investigation
Confirming the arrest, Mathura (Rural) SP Suresh Chandra Rawat told TOI, “The accused, 30-year-old Abhishek Mishra, alias Adikarta Narayan Das, was arrested near Radha Kund in the Govardhan area on Monday night.”
Police are now examining the accused's activities, his online network, and the extent of his influence on followers. Officials said further inquiries are underway to identify additional victims and gather more evidence.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Suresh Chandra Rawat said legal proceedings are continuing and the accused has been sent to jail while the investigation moves forward.
