Thane Family Defrauded of Rs 1.66 Crore in Elaborate Black Magic Scam
In a shocking case of exploitation and deception, a family from Thane district in Maharashtra has reportedly been defrauded of more than Rs 1.66 crore by an individual who manipulated their fears of black magic. The accused allegedly promised divine remedies through complex rituals and religious pilgrimages, according to police statements released on Sunday.
Police Register FIR Against Mumbai Resident
The Kasarvadavali police station officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) on April 2 against the accused, identified as Manjunath Shetty, a resident of Andheri in Mumbai. The complaint details a systematic two-year scheme where Shetty is alleged to have convinced the family that a relative had cast malicious spells to hinder their financial and personal progress.
The family's distressing ordeal reportedly began in January 2024 when they first encountered Shetty at a social event. Upon learning about their ongoing financial struggles, he swiftly planted the idea that these difficulties were not mere coincidence but the result of black magic orchestrated by a family member.
Elaborate Rituals and Pilgrimages Prescribed
To supposedly counteract these supernatural influences, Shetty prescribed an extensive series of elaborate rituals. He particularly insisted that the family undertake a pilgrimage to the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva scattered across India.
Officials explained that Shetty allegedly exploited every minor misfortune or setback experienced by the family, using these incidents as proof that the black magic was active and required further financial investment to neutralize.
Financial Transactions and Manipulative Tactics
The monetary exploitation occurred through multiple channels:
- Between February and April 2024, Shetty collected Rs 10 lakh in cash under the pretext of purchasing special materials required for the rituals.
- From May 2024 through January 2026, the family transferred approximately Rs 1.56 crore via online transactions to various bank accounts belonging to Shetty and his mother.
Shetty allegedly employed further psychological manipulation by claiming he needed additional funds to settle pending court cases. He warned the family that if he were imprisoned, the protective rituals would remain incomplete, leaving them vulnerable to continued supernatural harm.
Legal Action Under Multiple Statutes
Although no arrests have been made at this stage, police have registered a formal case against Shetty under Section 418(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to cheating. Additionally, the case invokes relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.
This comprehensive legal approach highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case of financial exploitation disguised as spiritual intervention. The investigation continues as police work to gather evidence and track the substantial funds allegedly misappropriated through this elaborate scheme.
