Thane Woman Defrauded of Rs 1.6 Crore in Elaborate 'Black Magic' Scam
In a shocking case of financial exploitation under the guise of spiritual intervention, a 25-year-old woman from Thane was allegedly duped of over Rs 1.6 crore by a Mumbai-based man. The accused claimed he could rid her family of what he described as a powerful 'black magic' curse. Police officials disclosed the details of this elaborate fraud on Thursday, highlighting how the perpetrator manipulated the victim's fears over a prolonged period.
Two-Year Deception Unfolds
According to the Thane police, the complainant formally lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on April 3, 2024. The FIR meticulously detailed a financial fraud that spanned exactly two years, from January 2024 to January 2026. During this extensive timeframe, the accused, identified as a resident of Andheri in Mumbai, systematically built trust with the young woman. He allegedly convinced her that her father and aunt were under the sinister influence of a supernatural curse, purportedly cast by a woman known to the family.
Elaborate Narrative and Financial Drain
Police investigations reveal that the accused frequently visited the complainant's residence in Thane. During these visits, he spun an intricate and convincing narrative centered around performing a special puja or ritual to break the alleged curse. This elaborate story was used to persuade the vulnerable woman to part with a staggering sum of Rs 1.6 crore, said a senior police official involved in the case. The official further noted that the scammer's tactics involved creating a constant sense of urgency and supernatural threat to justify the continuous financial demands.
Money Trail and Broken Promises
Investigators have uncovered a crucial detail in the money trail: a significant portion of the defrauded funds was allegedly routed through bank accounts belonging to the accused's mother. This method may have been an attempt to obscure the direct financial transactions and complicate the paper trail for authorities. Despite repeated and solemn assurances from the accused that the rituals were being performed, no such spiritual ceremonies ever took place. Even after receiving the massive payments, the man continued to demand more money from the victim, exploiting her growing desperation and belief in his false promises.
Ongoing Police Investigation
The Thane police have registered a case and are actively investigating the matter. They are examining all financial records, witness statements, and the accused's movements during the two-year period. This case serves as a stark reminder of how superstition and fear can be weaponized for large-scale financial fraud. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and verify the credentials of anyone offering supernatural solutions, especially when they involve demands for substantial monetary payments.
