The logo of Clinical Psychology Society of India. Representational image
| Photo Credit: Website of Clinical Psychology Society of India

After the psychologist was arrested in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district for allegedly blackmailing and sexually exploiting at least 50 of his students over the past 15 years, the Clinical Psychology Society of India (CPSI) on Thursday (January 16, 2025) revealed the accused psychologist was operating as “quack” and is not a registered clinical psychologist with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

Condemning the act, CPSI stated, “This misrepresentation is not only fraudulent but also severely undermines the Integrity and credibility of mental health professionals, particularly clinical psychologists in India.”

The accused psychologist was arrested on Monday (January 13, 2025) and was charged with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He operated a clinic and residential program in east Nagpur. According to police, he harassed female students on the pretext of personal and professional development.

The accused blackmailed students with explicit photos, which he took during the camps and trips he organised. On the complaint of one such survivor, who the accused blackmailed was arrested. Police have formed a special committee to assist survivors and carry out investigations.

“We support the authorities in their investigation and urge that justice be pursued swiftly and comprehensively,” CPSI stated in the statement released on Thursday (January 16, 2025). CPSI President Jamuna Rajeshwaran and the society members pledged to review their own mechanisms for ethical oversight and safeguarding to strengthen their ability to prevent such violations in the future.

CPSI emphasised that any individual practising as a clinical psychologist in India must be duly registered with the RCI and counselling psychologists must be registered with the Allied and Health Care Professionals Enrolment Portal to ensure practitioners meet the necessary educational and ethical standards.