After the turn of fake swamis, now it is their female counterparts turn to seek media attention. The latest news is that an allegation has been erupted against a swamini, who had amassed millions after offering ‘bhasmam’ (dried cow dung) to devotees.
The swamini, identified as Usha (50), wife of Gangadharan, is residing on the Kottappadi-Perumbavur route in Kothamangalam. It has been alleged that she amassed millions from people by saying that she can cure all kinds of illness. The state special branch has started investigation on the woman.
She claims that she was gifted divinity by Lord Ayyappa when she was sick for 11 years. An Ayyappa temple and a Siva Temple built in Kuttikuzhy are controlled by this woman, who performs the poojas of the temple. She has also built a double storeyed building adjacent to the temples.
The recent arrest in Kochi of Santosh Madhavan, who is facing charges of raping minor girls, cheating and financial fraud took the lid off flourishing spiritual rackets. Bogus swamis and spiritual fraudsters came under scanner after a gun-totting Himaval Bhadrananda created a scene in a police station by threatening to shoot himself and opened fire causing minor injuries on his left palm.
Bhadrananda was also arrested and remanded. Two police officials were suspended for not professionally handling the situation.