A 40-year-old woman in Bengaluru has been allegedly cheated of ₹2.5 crore by a self-styled godman. The fraudster used fake RBI certificates and promises of massive returns to lure the victim.

Key Takeaways

  • The accused, Afsar Pasha (alias Guruji), promised ₹505 crore in RBI funds.
  • The victim lost ₹2 crore in cash and gold jewellery worth ₹50 lakh.
  • Bengaluru CCB has registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

In a massive fraud case in Bengaluru, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) is hunting for a self-styled godman and his associates. The victim, M. Kumuda, a 40-year-old homemaker, was allegedly swindled of approximately ₹2 crore in cash and ₹50 lakh worth of gold jewellery through a sophisticated deception involving fake government documents.

The Modus Operandi

The scam unfolded after the victim was introduced to associates who initially lured her into a real estate venture. Following a family tragedy, the accused, Afsar Pasha alias Guruji, exploited her vulnerability by claiming her home was plagued by 'negative energy.' After performing expensive rituals, he allegedly claimed he was set to receive ₹505 crore from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

To cement the lie, the fraudster sent WhatsApp images of fabricated RBI certificates featuring his own photograph. He promised Kumuda that if she invested ₹2.5 crore, he would return ₹10 crore once the funds were released. Believing the ruse, she sold her property and handed over the valuables in multiple installments near Mysuru.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that criminals are increasingly blending spiritual manipulation with digital forgery. By using platforms like WhatsApp to circulate fake official documents, fraudsters can bypass the natural skepticism of even well-meaning individuals.

The intersection of spiritual exploitation and financial fraud represents a growing trend in urban crime syndicates.
Did You Know?: Fraudsters often use 'social engineering'—exploiting human emotions like fear or greed—to bypass logical defenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific charges have been filed?
The CCB has registered a case under Sections 318(4), 338, 351(1), 351(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

2. How did the accused try to silence the victim?
When the victim demanded her money back, the accused allegedly threatened her life, claiming she had no proof of the transactions.