Varanasi ascetic held for raping woman

A 32-year-old ascetic was arrested in Varanasi Friday after a woman alleged that he raped her when she took refuge in his "ashram" after her hutment was ravaged by floods, police said.

The 40-year-old woman said the ascetic, Avdheshanand, raped her Wednesday night and then threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke of the incident to anyone.

Police said the incident occurred in Yamuneshwar Ashram in Varanasi.

The complainant is a Dalit resident of Jaunpur district.

"A case has been registered in the Adampur police station. After the arrest of the seer, legal action is being taken," an official said, adding that the woman would be sent for a medical examination.