In a significant crackdown on superstitious practices, the Bharati Vidyapeeth police in Pune have initiated legal action against two individuals for allegedly promoting black magic under the guise of spiritual healing. The duo stands accused of making bold claims about curing cancer patients and miraculously improving financial situations through prayer sessions.
The Alleged Deception and Police Intervention
According to the authorities, the two accused men conducted multiple sessions at a public utility hall located in the Dhankawadi area of Pune. These gatherings, which reportedly commenced in April of this year, attracted sizable crowds. Senior Inspector Rahul Khilare of the Bharati Vidyapeeth police station stated that the case came to light after vigilant activists, who campaign against black magic and Aghori practices, attended the sessions, recorded evidence, and subsequently filed formal complaints.
"Many activists fighting against black magic and aghori practices heard these sessions and recorded them. After collecting evidence, they approached us with their complaints," Khilare explained. Based on this collected material, the police formally registered a case on Sunday under the stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.
Exploiting Hope: The Modus Operandi
The investigation so far reveals a pattern of exploiting the vulnerabilities of attendees. Police reports indicate that each session was attended by 50 to 100 people, with a majority being from economically weaker sections seeking solutions to their hardships.
"The duo used to tell people stories about how they cured cancer patients and how they prayed for poor people, after which the latter became rich," Senior Inspector Khilare detailed. Their central claim was that their special prayers possessed the power to eradicate poverty, usher in prosperity, and cure severe health ailments like cancer.
Investigation Focus and Next Steps
A crucial aspect of the ongoing probe is to determine if the accused monetarily exploited their followers. As of now, the police have not uncovered evidence of direct financial transactions between the duo and the audience. However, this remains a key line of inquiry.
"We will question them on this aspect soon. We have asked the duo to present themselves before us for questioning," Khilare affirmed. The accused have been identified as residents of Pisoli and Saswad. The police action underscores a firm stance against practices that prey on public belief and potentially endanger lives by discouraging legitimate medical treatment.
This case highlights the active role of citizen activists and the application of a specific state law designed to combat exploitative and inhuman practices rooted in superstition. The Pune police's move is seen as a step towards protecting citizens from fraudulent schemes disguised as spiritual remedies.
