Exposing the Abusive Practices of a Self-Styled ‘Baba’

In Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, a self-proclaimed spiritual healer, Sanjay Pagare, has been exposed for conducting abusive rituals under the guise of spiritual healing. Operating from a temple in Shiur village, Vaijapur tehsil, Pagare’s activities have come to light after a two-year campaign of deception and torment inflicted on villagers.

Claims of Supernatural Powers

Sanjay Pagare claimed to possess supernatural abilities, promising to exorcise spirits, facilitate marriages for the unmarried, and assist couples in having children through his so-called “aghori” rituals. However, these practices were nothing more than cruel and degrading acts disguised as spiritual treatments.

Disturbing Rituals and Abuse

Victims, including both men and women, were subjected to severe physical abuse. They were beaten with sticks, forced to put their own shoes in their mouths, and made to run in circles around the temple. In some instances, they were fed tree leaves as part of a supposed cure. Most shockingly, followers were coerced into drinking Pagare’s urine as part of his fraudulent spiritual treatment.

Unveiling the Truth Through Activism

The extent of these abuses was uncovered by activists from an anti-superstition organization who conducted a sting operation using hidden cameras. The footage captured several disturbing scenes and is now with authorities. One video shows Pagare stepping on a man’s face as he lay on the ground. The same man is later seen disoriented during a ritual where Pagare throws yellow powder at him, makes him smell a shoe, and beats a drum in front of him.

Legal Action and Calls for Stronger Laws

Following the activists’ complaint, authorities have registered a case against Sanjay Pagare under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code for fraud, assault, and promoting superstition. Activists are urging for stronger enforcement of the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act to prevent such abuses in the future.