Daijiworld Media Network - Toronto

Toronto, Aug 27: A Hindu priest based in the United States has been arrested in Canada for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman while performing a religious ceremony after convincing her that she was possessed by evil spirits and needed to be "cured", police said.

The incident took place in North Oshawa, Ontario, on Tuesday, August 25.

According to Durham Regional Police, the woman's family had hired the accused to conduct a religious ceremony. Police said the suspect allegedly deceived the woman into believing that she was possessed by evil spirits and required a special ritual.

The accused allegedly sexually assaulted the woman under the guise of conducting the religious ceremony.

"Members of the East Division responded to a sexual assault report Tuesday, August 25, in the area of Harmony Road North and Conlin Road East," Durham Regional Police said in a statement.

"The suspect was arrested shortly after police received the complaint," the statement added.

The accused has been identified as Rajendranauth Doodnauth Maraj, 50, of Richmond Hill, New York. He has been charged with sexual assault and was held for a bail hearing.

Police said the allegations have not been proven in court.

Authorities expressed concern that there could be other victims and released a photograph of the accused as part of their investigation. Police have appealed to anyone with information or who may have had a similar experience involving the accused to come forward.