The West Bengal police on Monday (June 30, 2025) summoned a Padma Shri awardee monk, Kartik Maharaj, after a woman filed an FIR against him alleging rape and sexual assault.

“In exercise of the power conferred under sub section (3) of section 35 of BNSS, I do hereby inform you that during the investigation of FIR No-395/25 dt-26/06/25 u/s 376(2)(k)/313/417/506 IPC, registered at Nabagram Police Station. Murshidabad Police District it is revealed that there are reasonable grounds to question you to ascertain the actual facts and circumstances from your end,” the official letter addressed to the monk from sub-inspector Apurba Mondal read.

Swami Pradiptananda, also known as Kartik Maharaj, a monk associated with the Bharat Sevashram Sangha and perceived to be close to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been asked to appear before police on July 1. The police have said that action would be taken if he failed to comply.

The complainant told the media that Mr. Kartik sexually abused her 12 years ago.

“I went to stay in his ashram in 2012 and used to work there as a teacher. Kartik Maharaj forced me into a sexual relationship. I used to live in his ashram so I was helpless,” the survivor told a news channel. The woman alleged that she was forced to undergo abortions.

The Trinamool Congress, which posted photographs of Mr. Kartik with top BJP leaders, said that the BJP was shielding the accused.

“While our party ensures that those accused of heinous crimes like rape are punished, @BJP4India garlands rapists and honours them with Padma Shri. That’s the difference. Why is BJP silent on the horrific crimes of Kartik Maharaj? What political debt are they repaying by shielding and enabling a sexual predator?” the Trinamool wrote on X on Monday.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar hinted that the accusation might be politically motivated. “Why did this allegation suddenly come to light? Police must investigate and see how much of these allegations are true. Make sure he is not targeted just because he speaks up for Hindus,” Mr. Majumdar, also the BJP State president, said.

Responding to the war of words between the BJP and the Trinamool, the complainant said, “I filed the complaint on my own free will, no one coerced or forced me. I want strict action against taken against him for abusing me.”

The allegations against Mr. Kartik come at a time when the Trinamool is facing the heat for the alleged rape of a law student inside the South Calcutta Law College. Monojit Mishra, a Trinamool student leader, is one of the prime accused in the gang rape case.

The BJP has staged multiple protests in the city over the issue alleging that the Trinamool was “protecting rapists”.