The Kerala High Court has dismissed a bail plea submitted by Kollam-based astrologer Rajan Babu, alias Murari Tantri, who had been arrested in February on the charge of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on the pretext of conducting an ‘exorcism’ on her.
The astrologer contended that he was falsely implicated in the case, and that there were no materials on record to connect him with the alleged crime.
The prosecution submitted that the alleged incident occurred as part of the intentional criminal acts of the astrologer who had been remanded in judicial custody since February 9, and that he was not entitled to bail at this stage.
A Bench of Justice Kauser Edappagath observed that a perusal of the case diary revealed that the accusation against the astrologer was very serious, and it prima facie showed a premeditated criminal act on his part.
Considering the seriousness of the allegation, the court denied him bail.
Published – May 18, 2026 10:57 pm IST
