Bengaluru Parrot Astrologer Lands in Police Custody for Alleged Rs 31 Lakh Fraud
In a startling case of deception, a roadside parrot astrologer in Bengaluru has been arrested for allegedly cheating an income tax officer of valuables worth over Rs 31 lakh. The accused, identified as Shekar, 59, from Periyakulam in Tamil Nadu's Theni district, is accused of exploiting the officer's trust under the pretext of performing special rituals to enhance his personal life and career prospects.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The incident came to light when Ramesh (name changed), an administrative officer at the Income Tax department's Koramangala office, filed a police complaint on March 5, 2026. According to authorities, the fraud occurred between December 25, 2025, and March 4, 2026. Shekar allegedly cheated Ramesh of gold and silver ornaments valued at more than Rs 31 lakh, along with Rs 50,000 in cash.
The TOI first reported this incident on March 10, highlighting the elaborate nature of the scam. Police investigations reveal that Shekar, posing as a parrot astrologer, claimed he could predict the future by merely observing a person's face. This claim lured Ramesh into his trap during an encounter on St John's Road in Bharathinagar.
How the Scam Unfolded
Initially, Shekar convinced Ramesh that he was facing a new problem and collected Rs 50,000 to perform a special puja. Days later, he escalated his demands, asserting that a more powerful ritual was necessary for better career prospects, promotions, and overall prosperity. Despite Ramesh's initial refusal, Shekar persistently called him almost daily, applying pressure and even issuing threats that his life would encounter difficulties if the ritual was not completed.
When Ramesh later approached Shekar regarding a pending transfer proposal at his office, the astrologer seized the opportunity. He collected 194 grams of gold and 1.3 kg of silver ornaments, promising to return them after the puja. However, he allegedly absconded with the valuables, leading to the fraud complaint.
Police Action and Recovery Efforts
Following the complaint, police have taken Shekar into custody and are actively working to recover the stolen ornaments. A senior officer confirmed that efforts are ongoing to trace and retrieve the items, emphasizing the seriousness of the case given the high value involved.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of falling prey to unverified spiritual claims, especially in urban settings where such scams can target unsuspecting individuals. Authorities urge the public to exercise vigilance and report similar fraudulent activities to prevent further victimization.
