- Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, a US-based Hindu priest, has been charged with sexual assault in Canada after allegedly luring a woman into a 'healing' ritual during a private religious ceremony.
- Maraj allegedly coerced the victim into believing she was possessed by evil spirits and needed a specialized ritual to heal her.
- He then sexually assaulted her at a private location under the pretense of conducting the healing rite.
- On August 25, 2026, Durham Regional Police responded to a sexual assault call in the area of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East.
- Police located and arrested Maraj without incident; he was charged with sexual assault and held for a bail hearing.
- Durham Regional Police released a photo of Maraj and urged other potential victims to come forward.
- Investigators suspect there may be additional victims and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
- Police stated that because Maraj travelled internationally to perform religious duties, there could be other individuals who might have been targeted in similar schemes.
Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, a 50-year-old Hindu priest from Richmond Hill, New York, was arrested in Canada for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman during a private religious ceremony. The incident occurred on August 25, 2026, in North Oshawa, Ontario, after the victim's family hired him for religious services.14
According to the Durham Regional Police, Maraj convinced the victim that she was possessed by evil spirits and needed a specialized ritual for healing. He then coerced her into a private location, where he allegedly assaulted her under the guise of performing a religious ceremony.2
Police arrested Maraj without incident, and he has been charged with sexual assault. He is currently in custody pending a bail hearing. Authorities are concerned there may be other victims, as Maraj traveled internationally for religious duties, and they have released his photograph to assist in identifying potential additional victims.57
“We urge anyone with information about the incident or similar incidents involving the accused to come forward,” said a police spokesperson. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers, with potential cash rewards for tipsters.
The allegations against Maraj have not yet been proven in court, and police continue to investigate the case thoroughly.
“The accused, Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, 50, of Richmond Hill, New York, was arrested without incident and remanded pending a bail hearing. Durham Regional Police released his photo, suspecting additional victims due to his international travel for religious duties.”
The Indian Express
