Pune Police Probe Temple Scams Targeting Senior Citizens
Police in Pune are investigating two separate cases where elderly men were targeted and robbed of their gold jewellery outside temples in the Pimpri Chinchwad area last week. The incidents, which occurred in Punawale and Chinchwad, involved sophisticated diversion tactics by the perpetrators, resulting in significant financial losses for the victims.
First Incident: The Fake 'Naga Sadhu' Scam
On February 5, a 70-year-old retired resident of Punawale visited a temple in Chinchwad to offer prayers. Around 3:30 PM, an unknown man approached him, posing as a 'Naga Sadhu'. According to the complaint filed with the Chinchwad police, the imposter gave the elderly man a Rs 50 note containing what he claimed was a 'Rudraksha' seed, instructing him to close his fist.
When the victim opened his hand, he found only a shell inside the note. The bogus sadhu then asserted he possessed divine powers and could transform the man's gold ring into a diamond ring. Trusting this claim, the elderly man removed his ring and followed a similar procedure.
This time, however, the conman took the ring and placed it in his mouth, asking the victim to wait. He then diverted the man's attention and fled with the gold ring, valued at approximately Rs 70,000. The distressed victim subsequently approached the Chinchwad police station to lodge an official complaint.
Second Incident: The Motorcycle Duo's Deception
The very next day, on February 6, another 70-year-old retired man from Punawale fell victim to a similar scam in Ravet. After offering prayers at a temple, he was stopped by two men on a motorcycle while returning home. The duo handed him two Rs 500 notes and requested he donate Rs 1,000 to the temple on his next visit.
They then asked the elderly man to touch the notes to his gold chain and gold rings for a purported blessing. When the victim removed his jewellery to comply, the men took the items, pretending to secure them in a bag. They instructed him to hold the bag for a few minutes before quickly fleeing the scene.
Upon opening the bag later, the man discovered his gold jewellery—two rings and a chain—were missing, with a total estimated value of Rs 2.10 lakh. He immediately reported the theft to the Ravet police, who have registered a separate case.
Police Response and Investigation
Officers from both the Chinchwad and Ravet police stations have confirmed the registration of these cases and are actively investigating the incidents. The modus operandi in both scams involved exploiting the religious sentiments and trust of elderly individuals in temple surroundings.
Authorities are urging senior citizens and temple-goers to remain vigilant against such deceptive tactics. They advise not to engage with strangers making unusual requests, especially involving personal valuables, and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
The investigations are ongoing, with police reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements to identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for these distressing crimes against the elderly.
