Delhi court dismisses godman's plea to drop MCOCA charges

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Monday dismissed a plea by 'godman' Shiv Murat Dwivedi, accused of running a prostitution ring in south Delhi, seeking to drop the case under MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) against him.

Dwivedi alias Ichchadhari Sant Swami Bhimanand Ji Maharaj Chitrakoot Wale, was arrested Feb 26, 2010 along with seven others, including six women, from Saket in south Delhi.

Justice Suresh Kait, noting that Dwivedi was involved in as many as five cases under various offences, said: "In my considered opinion, the case in hand qualifies as required under the MCOCA, therefore, the charges framed by the trial court against Shiv Murat Dwivedi are proper."

"He has invested in various insurance policies, purchased property in various places including Delhi, constructed a four and a half storied home, living in lavish lifestyle and has properties worth crores without any known sources of income," the court said while pointing out the lavish lifestyle of Dwivedi and refused to drop MCOCA charges against him.

The self-styled godman is being tried under the stringent provisions of MCOCA. The police had also chargesheeted him under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.

Dwivedi is alleged to have made crores of rupees through his prostitution racket and he also ran a website to invite new customers, as his business had spread to all parts of the country.

Dwivedi allegedly had 50 to 60 girls working directly under him and had access to nearly 500 others through his contacts.