‘Taken to babas, forced to drink cow urine’: Ex-Sena UBT MP’s daughter-in-law alleges black magic, torture

Ex-Sena UBT MP Daughter-in-Law Alleges Black Magic, Cow Urine Abuse

Taken to babas forced to drink - “Taken to babas, forced to drink cow urine”—these were the claims made by Girija Raut, the daughter-in-law of ex-Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Vinayak Raut, as she detailed her alleged mistreatment by her in-laws. The complaint, filed on June 10 at Kapurbawdi police station, has sparked a legal investigation under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, alongside the BNS Act. Girija’s accusations highlight a pattern of psychological and physical abuse, including rituals and forced consumption of substances like cow urine, which she claims were used to suppress her autonomy.

Marital Struggles and Rituals of Control

Girija’s marriage to Gitesh Raut, Vinayak’s son, was arranged in December 2017. She recounted how her relationship with her husband was strained, with no physical intimacy occurring until 2018. During this time, she was reportedly taken to spiritual practitioners, or "babas," to address perceived marital issues. These sessions allegedly involved rituals such as the use of a rooster and flour dolls, symbolizing her supposed emotional turmoil. Girija described being forced to drink cow urine and consume turmeric powder and agarbatti powder as part of these practices, which she claims were designed to control her.

“I was told an 'external obstacle' was preventing our bond, but I had no control over my own life,” Girija stated, emphasizing the psychological pressure she faced.

The victim also mentioned that her used clothing and hair were handed over to the babas, further illustrating the extent of her subjugation. These rituals, she claimed, were part of a broader effort to torment her and justify the family’s actions. The police official noted that Girija’s allegations included not just black magic but also physical abuse, which occurred during her visits to various countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, and Thailand.

Medical Negligence and Emotional Toll

Girija’s complaint expanded to include medical negligence, with her mother-in-law allegedly administering pills to stop her menstrual cycle. She said these pills worsened her health, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. The police official highlighted that the case also involves claims of specialists dismissing her concerns, pushing for home insemination instead of medical treatment. This sequence of events, Girija argued, left her in a vulnerable state, making her more susceptible to the family’s occult practices.

“The victim said she was forced to take pills to stop her periods, which worsened her medical condition,” the official explained, adding that the family’s actions were part of a calculated effort to manipulate her.

Girija’s mother also accused the family of taking her to multiple babas to conceal Gitesh’s shortcomings. “They relied on these rituals to mask their son’s failures,” the mother said, stating she had informed the family of the abuse but was ignored. The repeated exposure to spiritual practices, combined with the physical and emotional torment, has left Girija questioning her role in the marriage and her own sanity.

Family’s Defense and Legal Context

Vinayak Raut, the ex-MP, denied the allegations, stating that divorce proceedings were already underway between Gitesh and Girija. He claimed the daughter-in-law had demanded excessive compensation, including a three-bedroom flat with terrace, an automatic car, ₹2 lakh monthly maintenance, and ₹5 crore as settlement. According to Raut, the case was fabricated to pressure the family and extract financial benefits. “We did not agree to her demands, and she later sent a new notice accusing us of harassment,” he said, framing the complaint as an attempt to gain leverage.

“Why did she wait four years to report the incidents?” Raut questioned, asserting that the charges were false and motivated by greed.

Despite the family’s denial, the FIR includes names such as Vinayak Raut, his son Gitesh, mother-in-law Shyamal Raut, Vinayak’s brother Aaba, and two black magic practitioners—Firoz Baba and Kazi Baba. Harishchandra Ghadi is also listed as a witness in the case. Thane police have already arrested Firoz Baba, raising questions about the credibility of the practices and the family’s involvement in them.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications

The allegations have drawn public attention, with some local communities expressing concern over the use of black magic in domestic disputes. Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions about the case, with users questioning the role of spiritual practices in modern relationships. Legal experts noted that the case could set a precedent for cases involving occult abuse, highlighting the need for clearer laws to address such claims. Meanwhile, the family’s denial has sparked debate about the balance between cultural practices and personal freedom.

“This case underscores the intersection of tradition and modernity in domestic conflicts,” said a legal analyst, adding that the use of black magic as a tool for control is increasingly being scrutinized.

Girija’s story continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress. The family’s claims of financial pressure and the daughter-in-law’s assertions of psychological torment now hinge on the evidence presented. Whether the practices of taking her to babas and forcing her to drink cow urine will be proven as acts of abuse remains to be seen, but the case has already ignited a broader conversation about domestic violence and the role of spirituality in its perpetration.