A young woman in Bengaluru has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online scam, losing a significant sum of money to a fraudster masquerading as a spiritual guru on Instagram. The incident highlights the growing risk of cyber fraud targeting vulnerable individuals seeking personal solutions.
The Deceptive Promise of 'Kastakke Parihara'
The victim, a 21-year-old unemployed woman identified as Priya (name changed), was residing in a paying guest accommodation in the Adugodi area. According to the police complaint, her ordeal began when she came across an advertisement on the social media platform Instagram. The ad prominently offered services for 'Kastakke Parihara', a term referring to rituals or solutions meant to overcome hardships in one's life.
Intrigued and seeking answers about her future, Priya noted the mobile number displayed in the advertisement and decided to make a call. On the other line, a man answered and introduced himself as Chandrashekhar Sugat Guruji. Priya expressed her specific concern: she wanted to know about her prospects for marriage, including the timing and any potential obstacles that might lie ahead.
The Elaborate Scheme and Financial Loss
The self-styled Guruji quickly seized the opportunity. After supposedly examining her query, he informed Priya that there were serious problems evident in her horoscope. He then offered a solution, assuring her that he could help her overcome these astrological hurdles. However, this help came with a steep price tag.
The fraudster instructed Priya to transfer money online to facilitate the required rituals. Trusting his claims, she complied, initiating multiple transactions from her digital payment applications. The financial drain occurred over a period of nearly two weeks, from December 5 to December 16. By the time she realized something was amiss, the total amount lost had ballooned to a staggering Rs 2 lakh.
Awakening and Police Action
The moment of reckoning arrived when Priya began questioning the so-called Guruji about the progress in resolving her marital obstacles. Instead of providing answers or performing the promised services, the man started avoiding her calls and messages entirely. His sudden silence confirmed her fears that she had been conned.
Following this realization, Priya approached the Adugodi police station and filed a formal complaint, detailing the entire sequence of events. The police have officially registered a case and have initiated an investigation into the matter. They are examining the digital trail, including the Instagram advertisement and the transaction records, to identify and apprehend the fraudster.
This case serves as a stark warning to the public, especially the youth, about the dangers lurking on social media platforms. Scammers are increasingly crafting believable personas to exploit personal anxieties related to career, relationships, and health. Authorities advise citizens to exercise extreme caution, verify the credentials of anyone offering paid services online, and never share personal financial details based on unsolicited promises.
