An Indian-origin massage therapist, Sumit Satish Rastogi, has been sentenced to 13 years and 10 months in prison for sexually abusing 61 women in Adelaide, Australia. The sentence was handed down by a judge who characterised Rastogi’s conduct as “out of control” and “exploitative.” The offences occurred within a nine-month period, specifically between October 2021 and July 2022, at a massage business located in Glenelg, a suburb west of Adelaide.

Rastogi, aged 39, pleaded guilty to 97 distinct charges, which included 55 counts of indecent filming and 42 counts of aggravated indecent assault. Arrested in July 2022, it was revealed in court that he was unqualified to practice as a massage therapist at the time the offences took place. Rastogi had relocated to Adelaide from Delhi in 2011.

During the sentencing, South Australia District Court Judge Carmen Matteo noted that Rastogi had increasingly violated the trust of unsuspecting women over months, indicating a troubling escalation in his behaviour as he grew more confident.

Nature and Scope of the Offending

The three-hour sentencing hearing detailed the alarming scope of Rastogi’s offences, with Judge Matteo asserting that he had violated women who were entitled to dignity and respect. She stated that he abused their trust and treated them with disregard, emphasising that his actions escalated as he engaged in increasingly invasive behaviour.

According to the judge, by mid-2022, Rastogi’s offending reached a peak, demonstrating no signs of restraint until his arrest. She remarked on the “remarkable” fact that he was able to provide massage services for payment despite lacking any formal qualifications. This raised questions about oversight in the industry.

Judge Matteo described Rastogi’s conduct as not only illegal but deeply exploitative, reflecting the gravity of the harm inflicted on his victims. The systematic abuse of trust stood out as a significant aspect of the case.

Impact on Victims and Psychological Insights

Password of Psychopathology in the Court Proceedings

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Rastogi had been diagnosed with voyeuristic disorder by a psychiatrist, a condition characterised by sexual arousal from observing unsuspecting individuals. While Judge Matteo acknowledged the diagnosis as a plausible explanation for his actions, she clarified that it did not excuse him from accountability.

<h4Moreover, the court indicated that it is likely Rastogi would face deportation from Australia upon completion of his sentence, as concerns around his conduct raised significant issues regarding his residency status.

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