A man from New York is facing a sexual assault charge after Durham police investigated an alleged incident connected to a religious ceremony in Oshawa.
The Oshawa sexual assault investigation began Tuesday, Aug. 25, after officers responded to a call in the area of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East.
Durham Regional Police say the victim and her family had arranged for a Hindu pandit, or priest, from the United States to visit them and provide spiritual assistance.
Police allege victim was deceived
According to investigators, the accused allegedly convinced the victim that she was possessed by evil spirits and required a particular religious ceremony in order to be healed.
Police allege the victim was then persuaded to attend a private location.
Investigators say the accused sexually assaulted the woman there while allegedly presenting his actions as part of the religious ceremony.
Police were subsequently contacted about the alleged assault.
Officers later located the suspect and took him into custody without incident.
New York man charged
Durham police identified the accused as Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, 50, of Richmond Hill, New York.
He has been charged with one count of sexual assault and was held for a bail hearing.
The charge remains an allegation and has not been proven in court.
Police have not released identifying information about the victim, and additional details about the private location where the alleged assault occurred have not been disclosed.
Police concerned there could be other victims
Investigators say they are concerned there could be additional victims connected to the accused.
Anyone with information about this incident, or anyone who believes they experienced a similar incident, is being asked to contact Detective Constable Cronin of the Durham Regional Police East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1605.
Anonymous information can also be provided through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The request for additional information is an important part of the ongoing Oshawa sexual assault investigation. Police have not said whether any other complaints have been received or whether additional charges are anticipated.
Sexual assault resources available in Durham
Durham Regional Police maintains a list of local services for people affected by sexual violence.
Available resources include the Durham Rape Crisis Centre and the Durham Sexual Assault Care Centre through Lakeridge Health, along with police services for reporting sexual assaults.
People requiring immediate emergency assistance should call 911.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are encouraging anyone with potentially relevant information to contact investigators.
The allegation relates specifically to the conduct of the accused named in the investigation. No findings of guilt have been made by a court.
