The Santacruz police have arrested a 36-year-old man from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai for allegedly exploiting superstitious practices, performing black magic rituals, and sexually assaulting a woman on multiple occasions under the pretext of treatment.

The accused has been identified as Abdur Rashid Abdul Latif Shaikh, alias Babajan, 36, a resident of Summit Tower, Sector 10E, Kalamboli. Police said he claimed to be a black magic practitioner and deceived women by exploiting their personal problems.

According to the complaint filed by the victim with the Santacruz police, she was facing marital disputes when the accused approached her, claiming that she was under the influence of evil forces and convinced her that he could “cure” her through “special rituals”.