Self-proclaimed ‘tantrik’ held for cheating people

A self-proclaimed ‘tantrik’, who claimed to have solutions for all kinds of problems, including relationship-related issues, love marriages, marital disputes and family conflicts, has been arrested for cheating people, the police said.

The accused, identified as Rahul (20), admitted to running fake Instagram accounts and a website to cheat victims by exploiting their emotional and personal insecurities.

According to the police, a woman lodged a complaint on the National Cyber Crime portal stating that she had come across an Instagram page titled “@AGHORI_JI_RAJASTHAN”, projecting itself as a spiritual healer who performs special rituals to solve personal and family problems.

The accused manipulated the woman by instilling fear that her house was haunted by spirits and demanded money for special rituals. He even sent fabricated photos depicting ghostly figures and shadows to convince her, an official said.

Trusting his words, the victim transferred a sum of Rs 1.14 lakh for the rituals. After receiving the money, the accused stopped responding to her calls and messages.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered under Section 318(4) (cheating) of the BNS at the Cyber police station, New Delhi District, and an investigation was initiated.

During investigation, details of the alleged Instagram account, mobile numbers and bank transactions were obtained and analysed. The cheated amount was found credited into multiple bank accounts in the name of the accused, Rahul.

Moreover, the mobile number linked with the Instagram profile was also registered in his name, while other associated numbers were found in the names of his father and brother.

The accused kept on changing his location. With the help of intelligence, he was arrested from Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan, on Sunday.

During sustained interrogation, he admitted to running fake Instagram accounts and a website to cheat victims by exploiting their emotional and personal insecurities.

He further revealed that he promoted his Instagram reels through paid advertisements to attract more victims.

The accused lured victims by creating fear and promised to solve their problems through rituals. The payments were collected through UPI linked to his and his family’s bank accounts.

After receiving the money, he stopped all communication with the victims. So far, it has been revealed that the accused cheated more than 50 people using the same modus operandi, the cop mentioned.