Bengaluru Income Tax Officer Falls Victim to Rs 31 Lakh Astrology Scam
A routine encounter with a roadside astrologer in Bengaluru has led to a staggering financial loss for an income tax officer, who was allegedly swindled out of gold, silver ornaments, and cash totaling over Rs 31 lakh. The incident, which began in December 2025, has resulted in a formal police complaint and a manhunt for the accused astrologer, identified as Shekhar.
How the Scam Unfolded: From Parrot Astrology to Costly Rituals
According to details from the complaint filed with Bharathinagar police, the victim, Ramesh (name changed), is an administrative officer with the Income Tax Department posted in Koramangala. His ordeal started when he approached Shekhar, who was offering parrot astrology readings by the roadside. Shekhar allegedly claimed he could predict futures merely by observing a person's face, prompting Ramesh to request a horoscope reading.
During this initial interaction, Shekhar told Ramesh that he was experiencing a difficult phase in life and recommended a special ritual costing Rs 50,000 to alleviate his troubles. Ramesh complied, returning a week later to hand over the cash. Shekhar assured him the ritual would be performed and promised to notify him upon completion.
Escalation of Demands: Gold and Silver Ornaments Handed Over
A few days later, Shekhar informed Ramesh that the ritual had been conducted. However, he soon asserted that a more powerful ritual was necessary for the officer's career growth, promotions, and overall prosperity. Initially, Ramesh rejected this suggestion. But when he later sought clarity about a pending transfer proposal at work, Shekhar reiterated the need for a larger ritual.
This time, the astrologer instructed Ramesh to bring all the gold and silver ornaments from his home, promising their safe return after the ritual. On February 20, with his family members away, Ramesh collected gold ornaments weighing approximately 194 grams—including a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet—along with silver ornaments weighing around 1.3 kg, and handed them over to Shekhar.
Delays, Threats, and a Police Investigation
Shekhar told Ramesh to return the next day to collect the valuables. However, he allegedly began delaying their return, claiming the ritual was still ongoing. When Ramesh insisted on retrieving the ornaments, the accused stopped responding to calls and reportedly threatened him and his family with dire consequences.
Police have confirmed that efforts are underway to arrest Shekhar, who is currently on the run. The case highlights the risks associated with unverified spiritual practices and the vulnerability of individuals seeking quick fixes for personal and professional challenges.
Broader Implications and Warnings
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling prey to fraudulent astrologers and self-styled spiritual healers. Authorities urge the public to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious activities to prevent similar scams. The investigation continues as police work to track down the accused and recover the stolen valuables.
