Bengaluru Woman Duped by Fake Godman Who Escaped With Gold and Cash

A shocking case of alleged fraud involving a fake godman has surfaced in Bengaluru, where a 37 year old woman reportedly lost 43 grams of gold jewellery and Rs 1.3 lakh in cash after being tricked in the name of a spiritual ritual. Based on the victim’s complaint, Bagalagunte police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation to trace the accused, who is currently absconding.

According to the complaint, the woman identified as Geetha approached the self proclaimed spiritual healer after being introduced to him by a neighbour. She was searching for a solution to her younger daughter’s marital difficulties when the accused, identified as Shivakali alias Nithin, allegedly claimed that her daughter had been affected by black magic and required a special ritual to remove the curse.

The accused reportedly visited Geetha’s home on June 26 and instructed her to ensure that no one else remained inside the house during the ceremony. He began performing rituals using lemons, sacred ash, turmeric and fenugreek seeds while chanting prayers. During the ceremony, he allegedly convinced her that the ritual would only succeed if all the gold ornaments and cash kept in the house were placed before him as part of the offering.

Trusting his words, Geetha brought Rs 1.3 lakh that had been saved for house renovation along with gold ornaments weighing 43 grams, including a chain, bangles and rings. She wrapped them in a cloth bundle as instructed by the accused and handed them over during the ritual.

Police said the suspect then allegedly threw sacred ash on the woman’s face before striking her on the back of her head, causing her to lose consciousness. When she regained consciousness nearly 30 minutes later, both the fake godman and the valuables had disappeared from the house.

Later the same evening, Geetha reportedly spotted the accused near Arunodaya Hospital and confronted him about the missing jewellery and cash. Instead of returning the valuables, he allegedly warned her that the items had been tied inside a cloth bundle at her own home. He reportedly told her that no one should touch or open the bundle for two days, claiming that opening it earlier would cause her to vomit blood and die.

Frightened by the warning, Geetha returned home and left the bundle untouched for the next two days. When suspicion finally prompted her to open it, she found only tamarind inside instead of the gold and cash. She immediately tried to contact the accused, but his mobile phone had already been switched off.

Investigators believe the accused carefully exploited the victim’s emotional distress and faith to execute the fraud. Police are now collecting evidence, verifying the sequence of events and searching for Shivakali alias Nithin. Authorities have also urged the public to remain cautious of individuals who promise miraculous solutions to personal or family problems in exchange for money or valuables.