A massage therapist of Indian-origin has been sentenced to 14 years in prison in Australia after he was convicted of sexually abusing 61 women at a massage clinic in Adelaide. As per reports, the accused identified as Sumit Satish Rastogi (39) pleaded guilty to 97 offences committed between October 2021 and July 2022 at a massage business in Glenelg, located in Adelaide’s western suburbs.

The charges against him included 55 counts of indecent filming and 42 counts of aggravated indecent assault. South Australia District Court Judge Carmen Matteo delivered the verdict and termed his behaviour ‘out of control’. He said the offences showed repeated exploitation of women who had placed their trust in him.

The judge observed during the hearing, “Your offending conduct was regular and, at times, prolific.” 

Court says abuse escalated over nine months

The hearing went on for a long time, during which the court heard that the abuse turned increasingly severe over time, as Rastogi grew more confident in his actions. Judge Matteo said that many victims had ‘trusted’ him, were unsuspecting and were entitled to safety, respect and dignity while receiving massage treatments. The court was informed that the accused also captured invasive images of women, and in some cases, interfered with victims’ underwear during appointments. 

After hearing all the aspects of the case, the judge said, “By June and July 2022, I would characterise your offending against client victims as being out of control and showing no signs of restraint until you got caught.”

The court also noted that Rastogi had been providing massage services despite lacking qualifications, a fact which the judge described as ‘somewhat remarkable.’

Survivors turn up at hearing, recount ordeal

Several survivors, who had been violated at the hands of Rastogi, addressed the court and elaborated on the lasting psychological impact of the abuse. One of them said that the assault took place during her honeymoon, turning what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life into what she called a ‘haunting memory.’ She told the court that owing to the experience, she was hardly able to trust male healthcare professionals, including doctors and psychotherapists.

This also impacted her marriage, she claimed. Another woman criticised delays in the legal process, saying it had been more than 1,200 days since she was assaulted. 

Rastogi’s psychiatric condition discussed during proceedings

Another interesting angle came under the radar, when the court heard psychiatric evidence stating that Rastogi had been diagnosed with Voyeuristic Disorder. In such conditions, the person becomes aroused sexually from observing unsuspecting semi-naked individuals.

The judge said that the diagnosis offered a clinically plausible explanation for the offences, but maintained that it did not reduce his responsibility for the crime. Defence lawyer Adam Richards told the court that Rastogi had expressed remorse and was unable to pardon himself.

Rastogi shall become eligible for parole in 2035.