In a shocking case of deception, a 45-year-old farmer from Gujarat's Devbhumi Dwarka district fell victim to a gang of fraudsters posing as spiritual healers, losing gold jewellery worth a fortune. The Dwarka police have now arrested two individuals in connection with the elaborate scam.
The Elaborate Deception Unfolds
The victim, identified as Nirmal Jaru, a resident of Dhrasanvel village in Okha taluka, filed a formal complaint at the Dwarka police station. According to his account, in October 2024, he was approached by the accused, Jannath Padhiya and Nenunath Bamniya. The duo presented themselves as powerful tantriks and claimed they could resolve domestic issues plaguing Jaru's family.
They specifically told the farmer that his family's troubles were originating from impure gold kept at his home. Playing on his fears and superstitions, they convinced him to place his family's gold jewellery, valued at approximately Rs 8 lakh, into a box for a special purification ritual.
The Ritual That Never Was
The accused then instructed Jaru to leave the sealed box containing the precious jewellery near Ghanteshwar on the Rajkot–Jamnagar highway. They assured the trusting farmer that after performing the necessary rites, the purified gold would miraculously return to his house on its own. Following their instructions, Jaru left the box at the designated spot, hoping for a positive resolution to his problems.
Days passed, but the gold never returned. Realizing he had been swindled, a distressed Nirmal Jaru finally approached the Dwarka police to report the crime.
Police Action and Recovery
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) took up the investigation. Their probe led to the arrest of the two alleged fraudsters, Jannath Padhiya and Nenunath Bamniya. Upon their arrest, the police conducted searches and made a significant recovery.
Items worth about Rs 9.32 lakh were seized from the accused. The recovered haul included not only the stolen gold jewellery but also mobile phones and a car, believed to be proceeds from similar crimes. Police indicated that the gang specifically targeted superstitious individuals, instilling fear about family and domestic troubles to lure them into their trap.
A case has been registered under Sections 318(4), 354 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation is ongoing as police explore the possibility of more victims being targeted by this gang in the region. This incident serves as a stark warning against trusting strangers who offer miraculous solutions in exchange for valuables.
