Women living alone were godman’s targets

Young women living alone in Delhi were the ripest targets for Shiv Murat Dwivedi’s prostitution racket. Dwivedi operated under the guise of Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanandji Maharaj Chitrakootwale, 39, a self-proclaimed godman.

He used to lure girls by giving them expensive gifts. “Dwivedi used to target girls living in PG accommodation and shower them with costly gifts. Gradually, he used to earn their trust and involve them in his inner circle. Then he used to persuade the girls to join his racket and make easy money,” said a police officer.

According to Dwivedi, he used to visit Delhi just twice a year. Rest of the time, he used to stay in his village, or travel to remote areas, organising satsangs.  He even denied owning the ashram where the sex racket was being run. “I hardly stayed in Delhi. The ashram is not mine. I was not involved in any of the things the police are claiming,” Dwivedi said. “I only sing the Lord’s praises. I can’t even think of ruining a girl’s life. This is a story created by the media.”

According to police, many of the women Dwivedi trapped were smitten by him. “He used to have an emotional connect with many of his targets. Many of them wrote him love letters and even expressed their anger when he stopped meeting them,” said an officer. “We want them to testify against him.”