Elderly Woman Targeted by Fake Holy Men in Krishna District Extortion Scam
In a deeply disturbing incident of fraud and intimidation, a group of men disguised as holy men allegedly threatened an elderly woman and successfully extorted money from her in Akunur village, located under Uyyuru mandal in Krishna district. The brazen act has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted immediate police action.
Deceptive Entry and False Pretenses
According to detailed police sources, the troubling event unfolded on Sunday morning when four unidentified individuals, all dressed in distinctive saffron robes, entered the residence of Mandada Mani, who is the wife of Mandada Prasada Rao. Chanting sacred mantras and presenting themselves as revered 'Swamijis', the men falsely claimed familiarity with the family and asserted they were operating an ashram. Their calculated approach was designed to gain trust and exploit religious sentiments.
Financial Demands Escalate to Threats
The accused reportedly demanded a substantial sum of ₹1 lakh from Mani, justifying the amount as necessary for the maintenance and care of cows at their purported ashram. When the elderly woman expressed her inability to pay such a large amount, the situation turned menacing. The impostors allegedly resorted to direct threats, warning her that they would 'curse' her and her entire family if she refused to comply with their demands.
Frightened and visibly shaken by the aggressive intimidation, Mani handed over ₹5,000, explaining it was all she could afford at that moment. The extortion did not stop there. Around the same time, her nephew, Venkata Sivaramakrishna, who had arrived from Boddapadu village in Thotlavallur mandal, also became a target. The fake holy men reportedly took an additional ₹1,000 from him before finally departing from the house.
Police Response and Investigation Launched
The victims, traumatized by the experience, later approached the Uyyuru rural police station and formally lodged a detailed complaint. Sub-inspector Subhashini promptly visited the scene of the crime to conduct a thorough examination and recorded comprehensive statements from both victims. Based on the evidence and accounts provided, the police have officially registered a case and initiated a full-scale investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the accused individuals.
This incident highlights a growing concern about fraudulent activities exploiting religious faith and targeting vulnerable elderly citizens in rural areas. The police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior immediately to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
