A Hindu priest from New York has been charged after police allege he sexually assaulted a woman under the guise of performing a religious ceremony in Oshawa. Durham Regional Police say officers were called Tuesday to the area of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East following reports of a sexual assault. Police allege the victim and her family had hired a Hindu priest, known as a pandit, to visit their home and perform a religious ceremony. The suspect allegedly told the victim she was possessed by “evil spirits” and required a specific ceremony in a private location for healing purposes, police said. Police allege the woman was sexually assaulted while the ceremony was being performed. Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, 50, of Richmond Hill, N.Y., has been charged with sexual assault. The charge has not been tested in court. Maraj was held for a bail hearing. Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to call Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1605, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
