SURAT (INDIA)
Times Now [Mumbai, India]
June 22, 2026
By Reported by: Dhruv Sanchania, Authored by: Aditi Pandey
Naresh Chauhan, a priest also known as “Naresh Bhuva,” has been arrested following allegations of sexual assault and blackmail by a woman.
A priest identified as Naresh Chauhan, also known as “Naresh Bhuva,” has been taken into custody after a woman accused him of repeatedly sexually assaulting her and blackmailing her with alleged nude photographs, police said on Sunday.
According to the FIR registered at Singanpor-Dabholi Police Station, the complainant alleged that she first came into contact with the accused during a religious ritual conducted at her family’s residence in November 2024. She claimed that a few months later, the accused contacted her through Instagram, after which they exchanged phone numbers and remained in touch.
As per the complaint, in April 2025 the accused allegedly called her to a hotel near Singanpor Crossroads under the pretext of offering blessings. The woman alleged that after consuming prasad given by the accused, she felt dizzy, lost consciousness and later found herself unclothed inside the hotel room. She further alleged that when she confronted the accused, he threatened to circulate her nude photographs and videos if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
The complainant alleged that the accused subsequently used the threat of leaking the photographs to repeatedly call her to the same hotel and sexually assault her against her will. She further stated that the alleged blackmail continued even after her marriage in February 2026, causing distress in her marital life.
According to the FIR, the woman finally informed her mother about the alleged incidents on June 20, following which they approached the police and lodged a complaint.
Katargam PI L.R. Gohil said the woman reported that the accused had allegedly gained her trust through social media after initially meeting her during a religious ceremony. The officer said the complainant alleged she was rendered unconscious after consuming prasad and was later threatened with the circulation of nude photographs if she spoke about the incident.
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case under Sections 64(2), 123 and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused has been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway.
Police said the allegations are part of the complainant’s statement, and the facts will be verified during the course of the investigation.