Four suspects have been taken into custody for allegedly kidnapping, assaulting and stealing ₹4.25 lakh from a self‑styled spiritual healer in Bengaluru. The case highlights rising concerns over fraudulent spiritual practices in the city.
Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)
- Four men arrested by Bengaluru police
- Victim kidnapped, assaulted and robbed of ₹4.25 lakh
- Police are probing digital transactions and possible wider network
The Bengaluru police announced on Friday that they have arrested four men accused of kidnapping, assaulting and stealing ₹4.25 lakh from a self‑styled spiritual healer, Mohammed Tariq Hussain. The arrests followed a complaint lodged by the victim in Yelahanka.
Chronology of the Crime
A case was registered at Sampigehalli police station, and all four accused have been remanded in judicial custody. The suspects – Arif and Adil from Tumakuru, Imran from Chikkabanavara and Khadeer from RT Nagar – were apprehended after a thorough investigation.
According to police, Arif contacted Hussain days before the incident, offering to perform “peace and prosperity” rituals at his house and transferred an advance of ₹10,000. On June 29, Arif told Hussain that a car would pick him up. Once inside, the men allegedly restrained him and drove toward the outskirts of Tumakuru.
Violence and Financial Fraud
During the drive, Adil confronted Hussain over an earlier payment dispute, claiming he had paid for a ritual that did not deliver promised results. When Hussain refused to return the money, the assailants attacked him with machetes and other sharp weapons, inflicting injuries.
After gaining access to the victim’s mobile, the perpetrators obtained his password and UPI PIN, transferred ₹13,000 digitally, and the next day forced him to sign withdrawal slips at a private bank, extracting ₹4.25 lakh.
Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation
A senior police officer said, “Based on the victim’s complaint and technical evidence, we traced and arrested all four accused. We are investigating the financial transactions and verifying whether they were involved in similar offences elsewhere.” All four suspects remain in judicial custody while the probe continues.
Wider Context
Cases of fraud involving self‑proclaimed spiritual gurus have risen across Bengaluru, often blending traditional rituals with modern digital scams. Experts warn that the convergence of personal data theft and financial coercion poses a serious threat to public safety. While the swift police response is commendable, heightened public vigilance remains essential to curb such crimes.
