A Hindu pandit (priest) has been arrested after exploiting his position and committing sexual assault under the guise of a religious ceremony in Oshawa.
On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, members of East Division responded to a sexual assault call in the area of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East. The victim and her family employed a Hindu pandit (priest) from the United States of America to visit them and perform a religious ceremony. The pandit deceived the victim into believing she was possessed by evil spirits and needed a specific ceremony to heal herself. The suspect exploited the victim into attending a private location where the suspect sexually assaulted the victim under the guise of performing a religious ceremony.
Police were later contacted and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Police have concerns there may be further victims. A photo of the accused is attached and can be viewed at www.drps.ca
Rajendranauth Doodnauth MARAJ, age 50 from Richmond Hill, New York is charged with: Sexual Assault.
He was held for a bail hearing.
Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact D/Cst. Cronin of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1605.
Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation. These allegations have yet to be proven in court.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
