AKOLA/MURTIZAPUR: Disturbing visuals showing minors being subjected to unsafe and inhuman practices in the name of treatment have surfaced in the Akola district, triggering widespread outrage.The viral videos allegedly show a self-styled godman from Nimbha village in Murtizapur taluka lifting children with his teeth and subjecting them to superstition-driven rituals. The accused has been identified as Chetan Sunil Mule, also known as “Gulal Shesh Maharaj”.According to local accounts, Mule has been holding such gatherings, or ‘darbars’, for nearly a decade, claiming to cure illnesses and resolve personal, family problems.The footage has drawn sharp reactions, with residents demanding strict action. When media teams visited the village, several residents spoke out against the practices, describing them as dangerous and misleading. However, members of Mule’s family declined to comment, stating that he was not at home at the time. Authorities are alarmed by reports that Nimbha — a village with a population of barely 1,000 — hosts at least four such ‘darbars’ operated by different self-proclaimed godmen.
Sharad Wankhade, an office-bearer of the Akola unit of the Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, called for immediate and decisive action, stressing the need to curb such activities and safeguard vulnerable sections, especially children.Taking cognisance of the matter, SDPO Vaishali Mule said all self-styled godmen in the area have been summoned. The incident underscored blind faith in certain rural pockets.
