The purported cult leader claims that the “miracles” he performed to establish his divinity were merely “magic tricks” intended to amuse his followers.
He is accused of using his declaration that he was a “living God” to sexually abuse his followers.
Rajinder Kalia is being sued in the High Court on the grounds that he horribly abused women and children as young as four while “groomed” members of his temple to believe he is “an incarnation of God.”
Head priest Mr Kalia of his Hindu temple in Coventry is accused of doing “miracles” to persuade followers, such as squeezing blood out of a lemon and putting fire to water.
Mark Jones, the claimants’ attorney, questioned him, claiming he had pulled off the “tricks” to convince followers he has “supernatural powers.”
Kalia, however, refuted every accusation made against him and informed the judge that he was only “entertaining” his supporters.
Under cross-examination, he said, “Does a magician tell about his magic tricks?” after telling the judge, Mr. Justice Martin Spencer, that what he was doing was entertainment.
He added: “I have told you before, I was entertaining.”
Kalia, 68, refuted all of the accusations made against him during his testimony this week, claiming that claims of his divinity were part of a “conspiracy” to extort him of millions of dollars.
“The claimants have fabricated stories, and have lied, in order to extort money from me,” he told the judge, Mr Justice Martin Spencer.
“I have never claimed to be divine, to have a direct link to God, to be a manifestation of God, or to be an incarnation of God, as alleged by the claimants.”
Kalia asserted that he was only his temple’s “figurehead.”
He added: “I have never said that I can cure people or animals from illnesses or life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, nor have I ever charged a fee for praying to God for someone – or something – to get better, as alleged.”
In addition to suing Kalia for allegedly sexually abusing four women, three additional ex-devotees have also filed lawsuits against him, two of which have subsequently been dismissed. Millions in compensation are what the former devotees demand.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
