65 year old Rajinder Kalia, a cult leader, who identifies himself as an ‘incarnation of God’ has been accused of raping four female devotees. He allegedly indoctrinated his devotees to believe he was 'divine'.
According to court documents, the accused allegedly used his power and influence to groom worshippers as young as four at the Baba Balak Nath temple in Bell Green, Coventry, The Times has reported. He is also accused of instigating his followers to practice 'onslaught of harassment' against any members of the temple who spoke out against him.
Followers used to kiss and touch Rajinder’s feet as he sat on his throne. He apparently threatened women with acid attacks if they spoke up. Worshippers reportedly claim that Rajinder has magical powers, which is why his son Pavan, 41 is alive despite suffering from cancer for the past 30 years. Followers apparently used to donate as much as £12,000 per person to him.
So far, four women have accused him of sexual misconduct. The allegations were reportedly filed at the High Court last month by a consultant solicitor at Peacock Law, Clare Kirby. The Times reported that in addition to the four women, a man and a woman have claimed that they lost £1.1 million, handed over to Rajinder, under his influence and as unpaid servants. Another woman is seeking £520,0000 over similar claims.
Community reacts
Following this case, organisations that represent British Hindus have decided to disassociate themselves from the temple. Asian Voice reached out to eminent members of the community to understand the aftermath of this case and its impact on the Hindu community.
Rajnish Kashyap, General Secretary/Director, Hindu Council UK shared a statement on behalf of the Council with Asian Voice on this matter. The statement said, “The Hindu Council UK, a National Umbrella faith body representing British Hindus and their temples has suspended Baba Balak Nath Temple in Coventry affiliation to HCUK after an emergency meeting.”
“Hinduism is the world's oldest religion with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Dharma is an important term for Hindus. In Hinduism it means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', Correct action in accordance with dharma is also understood as service to humanity and to God. The true Guru and Shishya relationship is very important in Hinduism and should be one of respect, and also open to interaction. One needs to understand that knowledge and power is channelled through the guru from a divine source and does not originate within the person. Divine power comes in the forms of respect, understanding and acceptance, not through control and misuse.
“The allegations made in the High Court relating to Rajinder Kalia are extremely serious and also this practice conflicts with Baba Balak Nath theology. Rajinder Kalia’s alleged actions are abhorrent and do not reflect Hinduism or accepted by Hindu Dharma.”
Expressing his thoughts on this case, Davinder Prasad, General Secretary of British Organisation for People of Asian Origin (BOPA) told Asian Voice, “I know many people who are a part of the congregation of Baba Balak Nath Temple. These are very dedicated people. I don’t know why a lot of people get attracted to self proclaimed spiritual leaders. I believe people have got a choice. But when these things are uncovered, there’s always an element of truth. In this case it has not been proven yet, so we cannot speculate. But if it happened, and if it is true, it is disgraceful.”
Asian Voice has always abhorred spiritual or magic healers and as a part of our ethical policy, we as a publication have let go of substantial revenue that was offered to us in whopping amounts. We encourage our readers to place their faith in the right practices and develop scientific temper.
