Sexual abuse of minors: Kerala HC rejects astrologer’s bail plea

The Kerala High Court has rejected a bail plea filed by Kollam-based astrologer Rajan Babu alias Murari Tantri, who was arrested in February on charges of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on the pretext of performing an “exorcism” on her.

The astrologer claimed that he was falsely implicated in the case and that no material was brought on record to link him to the alleged crime.

The prosecution said the alleged incident took place as part of a deliberate crime spree by the astrologer, who has been in custody since February 9, and that he is not eligible for bail at this stage.

The Kauser Edappagath bench observed that a perusal of the case diary revealed that the charge against the astrologer was very serious and prima facie indicated a premeditated offense on his part.

Considering the seriousness of the charges, the court denied him bail.

Published – 18 May 2026 22:57 IST