In a shocking case of financial fraud, a woman from Bengaluru was allegedly cheated of ₹2.58 crore by a self-styled godman and his associates, who told her that special rituals would remove evil forces from her home and promised to help her receive ₹505 crore supposedly locked with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The victim, Kumuda, who belongs to Andhra Pradesh and lives with her family in Chamarajpet, has come out with a complaint to the Central Crime Branch (CCB). Based on her complaint, the police have filed an FIR against the fake godman Apsar Pasha and two middlemen, Shankar and Bharath. They are currently absconding, and a search operation has been launched to trace them.
Kumuda had been trying to obtain a loan against her house when she met agents Bharath and Shankar through friends, the complaint said. Around the same time, her son got injured in a motorcycle accident, and the family was worried.
The agents exploited the family's predicament by claiming evil spirits and negative energy had entered their home and were responsible for the series of misfortunes. Kumuda was convinced by them that only a great spiritual leader could cure the curse through special rituals.
The middlemen then introduced her to Apsar Pasha, who was a spiritual healer. He first collected ₹8 lakh from Kumuda to perform religious rituals, assuring her that all her problems would soon disappear.
As trust developed, the accused allegedly introduced a much bigger claim. The fake godman told Kumuda that he had ₹505 crore waiting to be released from the Reserve Bank of India. He said a processing fee of ₹2.5 crore had to be paid immediately to unlock the funds. In return, he promised to give her ₹10 crore, far more than the amount she would invest.
Kumuda sold her house for ₹8.50 crore and handed over ₹2.50 crore to the accused. But after receiving the money, the fraudsters stopped cooperating. Kumuda repeatedly asked for the promised money or a refund, and they threatened her with severe consequences.
Kumuda came to the CCB and filed a formal complaint. Police are investigating the case and trying to locate the source of the money to find out who is involved in the fraud.
"I believe that the accused might have used similar tactics to cheat other victims under emotional distress, family crises, and religious beliefs," the prosecutor said. Officials have warned people to be wary of individuals who promise miracles, supernatural solutions, or wealth in exchange for large payments.
Fraudsters often exploit vulnerable people by mixing superstition with false financial promises, he said. Citizens are advised to verify the credentials of anyone who markets investment opportunities or spiritual remedies for large sums of money and report suspicious activity to the police immediately.
