Vinod M Jain
A 37-year-old woman has alleged that a self-styled swamiji cheated her family of 43 grams of gold ornaments and Rs.1.3 lakh after promising to resolve her daughter’s marital dispute through a special ritual.
The accused allegedly rendered the woman unconscious by throwing sacred ash into her eyes before fleeing with the valuables.
According to the complaint filed at the Bagalgunte Police Station,the accused,identified as Shivakali alias Nithin,was introduced to the family by a neighbour who claimed he could solve domestic problems through spiritual rituals.
The complainant,Geeta(37),stated that the accused visited her house on June 26 after instructing her to ensure no one else was present.
During the ritual,he allegedly claimed that her younger daughter was facing a life-threatening danger and insisted that all the gold ornaments and cash in the house be brought for a special puja.
Believing his claims,Geeta handed over around 43 grams of gold jewellery and Rs.1.3 lakh that had been kept aside for house-related expenses.
While performing the ritual,the accused allegedly threw sacred ash into her eyes,struck her from behind,causing her to lose consciousness,and escaped with the valuables.
When Geeta later contacted him,the accused allegedly claimed that the gold and cash had been tied inside a bundle at her house and warned her not to open it for two days,saying it would bring death if opened earlier.
After waiting as instructed,she found only tamarind inside the bundle.His mobile phone has since been switched off.
Based on Geeta’s complaint, Bagalgunte police have registered a case of cheating and launched an investigation.Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused.
