In a shocking incident, two self-styled godmen were arrested by Navi Mumbai police for allegedly cheating a woman of Rs 1.9 lakh by promising to resolve her family issues through black magic rituals. The accused were identified as Rajesh Tiwari and Sanjay Tiwari, both residents of Uttar Pradesh. They were arrested from the Kharghar area following a complaint lodged by the victim, a 35-year-old woman from Nerul.
Modus Operandi
The accused allegedly approached the woman in January 2024 and convinced her that her family was under a curse. They claimed that performing specific black magic rituals would remove the curse and bring prosperity. The woman, fearing for her family's well-being, agreed to pay them Rs 1.9 lakh over several months. The accused performed fake rituals and even provided her with 'holy' items that they claimed were essential for the process.
Victim's Realization
After several months, when the woman's family problems persisted, she grew suspicious. She confronted the accused, who threatened her with dire consequences if she stopped the rituals. Eventually, she mustered courage and approached the police. Based on her complaint, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal intimidation.
Police Action
The police launched a manhunt and tracked down the accused to a hideout in Kharghar. They were arrested on Thursday and produced before a local court, which remanded them to police custody. The police have recovered Rs 50,000 from their possession and are investigating if they were involved in similar crimes elsewhere.
Advisory from Authorities
The police have urged citizens to be cautious of such fraudulent practices. They advised people not to fall prey to claims of supernatural powers or black magic. Anyone with information about similar frauds should immediately report to the nearest police station. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are trying to trace other possible victims.
