In a country revered for its rich spiritual heritage, a disturbing trend is emerging — one that blends manipulation, power, and silence. Across parts of India, self-proclaimed spiritual leaders — or “Dongi Babas” (fake gurus) — are exploiting vulnerable women and girls under the guise of divine healing and religious authority.
While India is no stranger to spiritual movements, these modern imposters aren’t preaching peace — they’re preying on trust, leaving behind trauma, shame, and silence. And now, these stories are sparking global outrage.
Behind the Robes: A Pattern of Abuse
Recent reports from multiple Indian states paint a chilling picture:
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In Chhattisgarh, a teenage girl was abducted by a so-called baba who forged her age, faked a marriage, and reportedly raped her under the false promise of spiritual cleansing.
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In Madhya Pradesh, a man pretending to be a religious mystic used drug-laced “holy ash” to sedate and assault women, one of whom barely escaped.
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In Delhi, a tarot reader posing as a guru conned a woman out of her life savings and tried to illegally claim ownership of her home — all while claiming he could “remove negative energy” from her life.
These cases are not isolated incidents. In dozens of cities and villages, women are coming forward with similar stories — only to be dismissed, silenced, or shamed.
How Fake Gurus Gain Power
These predators follow a disturbingly familiar playbook:
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Targeting the vulnerable: Widows, young girls, women in distress, and those seeking emotional or financial guidance.
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Claiming supernatural powers: They promise to cure infertility, remove curses, bring back lost lovers, or cleanse “bad karma.”
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Isolating the victim: Often insisting on private rituals or overnight “cleansing” sessions — where abuse occurs.
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Using fear as a weapon: Victims are told speaking out will bring divine punishment or disgrace.
All of it hidden under layers of tradition, superstition, and blind faith.
From Temples to TikTok
What’s more alarming? These fake babas aren’t just operating in remote areas — many have taken their scams online.
They run Instagram accounts, offer “virtual blessings,” and even conduct paid WhatsApp sessions, targeting followers from across the globe — including the U.S. and Europe. One U.S.-based Indian-American woman lost over $30,000 to a “guru” who promised to cure her depression through distant healing and rituals.
India’s Struggle with Accountability
Though Indian courts and media have started to address the issue, progress is slow. Victims are often shamed instead of supported, and many cases don’t even reach court.
The Bombay High Court recently called it out:
“It’s unfortunate that in 2025, people still run to these fake babas… and suffer abuse in silence.”
Even respected Hindu saints have spoken up, saying these imposters are damaging the reputation of true spiritual practice and must be exposed.
Why This Should Matter to the World
This is not just India’s problem. Across the world, from the U.S. to Nigeria to Brazil, fake spiritual leaders have long used religion as a tool for control.
These cases highlight something bigger:
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The global need for spiritual accountability.
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The importance of recognizing manipulation, even when it wears a robe.
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And the urgent need to protect women from predators cloaked in divinity.
