Barwani Police Nab Man in Rs 4 Lakh Black Magic Fraud Case
In a startling incident from Barwani, the Kotwali police have apprehended a 31-year-old man on charges of orchestrating a sophisticated black magic scam that defrauded a local youth of nearly Rs 4 lakh. The arrest, made on Saturday, highlights a disturbing case of deception involving promises of supernatural wealth and subsequent threats of violence.
Details of the Arrest and Police Action
Kotwali in-charge BS Bisen confirmed that the accused, identified as Mohammad Asif, a resident of the Chanchal Chowk area in Barwani, was taken into custody and produced before the court. The court granted the police a one-day remand to further investigate the matter. This swift action followed a formal complaint lodged by the victim, Ravi Bamaniya, detailing a harrowing experience of exploitation and intimidation.
How the Scam Unfolded
The fraudulent scheme began on June 15, 2025, when Bamaniya first met Asif. The accused, posing as an occultist, convinced the victim to live together, building trust by claiming he could perform rituals to make money rain inside Bamaniya's house. Asif cited connections with religious figures from Delhi to lend credibility to his claims.
Between October 21, 2025, and January 15, 2026, the victim allegedly paid a total of Rs 4 lakh to Asif. This amount included Rs 2.82 lakh in cash and Rs 1.18 lakh through digital transactions. As part of the scam, Asif instructed Bamaniya to place certain wrapped items in his house and later dispose of them in the Narmada river, along with burning papers purportedly brought from Delhi.
Escalation to Threats and Intimidation
The situation took a darker turn when Asif allegedly pressured Bamaniya to convert to Islam. When the victim refused, Asif threatened to kill his mother, adding a layer of criminal intimidation to the fraud. Furthermore, Bamaniya reported that Asif abused and intimidated him when he demanded the return of his money, creating an atmosphere of fear and coercion.
Legal Charges Filed
Based on the detailed complaint, the Barwani police have registered a case under multiple sections. The charges include:
- Cheating under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
- Criminal intimidation for the threats made against the victim and his family.
- Provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, indicating the victim's background.
- The Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act, addressing the pressure for religious conversion.
This comprehensive legal action underscores the seriousness of the offenses, combining financial fraud with elements of religious coercion and personal safety threats. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling prey to supernatural promises and the importance of vigilance in such matters.
