A 37‑year‑old woman alleges that a self‑styled swamiji duped her family of 43 grams of gold jewellery and ₹1.3 lakh by promising a ‘special ritual’ to resolve a marital dispute. Police have filed a cheating case and are actively hunting the perpetrator.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Self‑styled swamiji used a ‘special ritual’ to steal 43 g of gold and ₹1.3 lakh
  • Victim was blinded with ash and rendered unconscious before the theft
  • Bagalgunte police registered a cheating case and are pursuing the suspect

In the Bagalgunte suburb of Bengaluru, Geeta, a 37‑year‑old resident, reported that a man calling himself Shivakali, also known as Nithin, pretended to be a spiritual guru and walked away with 43 grams of gold jewellery and ₹1.3 lakh in cash. The incident took place on 26 June when the swamiji claimed that Geeta’s younger daughter was in imminent danger and that a special puja could save her.

Method of Deception

The swamiji instructed Geeta to ensure that no one else was present, then entered her home alone. During the ritual he allegedly threw sacred ash into her eyes, struck her from behind, and caused her to lose consciousness. While she was incapacitated, he seized the gold and cash that had been set aside for household expenses. After the ceremony, he told Geeta that the valuables had been tied in a bundle inside the house and warned her not to open it for two days, claiming an early opening would bring death.

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Police Response

Following Geeta’s complaint, the Bagalgunte police registered a cheating case and launched an investigation. The suspect’s mobile phone has been switched off, and detectives are tracing his whereabouts. Authorities are also probing whether other families have fallen victim to similar spiritual scams.

Broader Implications

Such incidents erode public trust in genuine religious institutions and highlight a gap in consumer protection against fraudulent ‘spiritual’ services. Experts advise individuals to demand written documentation, verify credentials, and consult legal counsel before handing over valuable assets for any ritual. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for stricter enforcement against religious fraud.