Chandigarh Police Nab Fake Tantrik in Rs 40 Lakh Cyber Fraud Case
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Chandigarh cyber police have arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly defrauding a woman of approximately Rs 40 lakh by masquerading as a tantrik and maulvi on social media platforms. The accused, identified as Rohit Bhargav from Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan, exploited the victim's emotional vulnerability through a sophisticated scam that spanned over a year.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The case came to light when a woman filed a complaint with the police, stating she was experiencing mental distress due to ongoing family issues. During this difficult period, she encountered advertisements on Facebook and Instagram promoting a tantrik who claimed to resolve domestic and emotional problems through spiritual means. Intrigued and desperate for relief, she reached out to the fake practitioner.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police A Venkatesh from the Cyber Crime unit, Bhargav and an associate gradually gained the woman's trust by preying on her fragile mental state. They then escalated their tactics by instilling fear through false claims of supernatural threats and dire consequences if she did not comply with their demands. This psychological manipulation created a cycle of dependency and coercion.
Financial and Personal Losses
Between February 2024 and May 2025, the woman was allegedly induced to transfer money multiple times to various bank accounts controlled by the accused. In addition to the monetary transactions, she was persuaded to hand over around 150 grams of gold jewellery during a meeting in Chandigarh. The total estimated loss from these actions amounts to roughly Rs 40 lakh, highlighting the severe financial and emotional toll on the victim.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The Chandigarh cyber police launched a thorough investigation, analyzing call detail records, customer application forms, and bank KYC documents. Their probe revealed two bank accounts—one with Bank of Baroda and another with Canara Bank—registered in Bhargav's name. Several mobile numbers used to contact the woman were also traced back to him, providing crucial evidence.
On February 4, 2026, a raid was conducted in Jhunjhunu, leading to Bhargav's arrest. During the operation, police recovered two mobile phones, including an iPhone 16 Pro, from his possession. Bhargav reportedly confessed to targeting emotionally vulnerable women by offering false solutions to personal and family problems, admitting to his role in the elaborate scam.
Ongoing Efforts and Legal Action
The police have stated that further investigation is underway to trace Bhargav's co-accused and recover the defrauded amount. The case was officially registered on January 14 under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Chandigarh. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against such online frauds, especially those exploiting spiritual or emotional vulnerabilities.
This incident underscores the growing threat of cyber fraud in India, where criminals use social media to prey on individuals in distress. The Chandigarh police's swift action serves as a warning to others engaging in similar deceptive practices, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity awareness and legal recourse in combating financial crimes.
