How Did a Fake Astrologer Cheat a Woman of Rs 3 Lakh?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, a fake astrologer from Jaipur was arrested for defrauding a young woman of Rs 3 lakh. This case highlights the growing threat of online scams. The police have urged the public to be vigilant. Discover how this elaborate scam unfolded and the ongoing investigations that aim to bring justice.
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious when engaging with online astrologers.
- Verify credentials of service providers.
- Report suspicious activities to the authorities.
- Understand the risks of sharing personal information online.
- Stay informed about common scam tactics.
New Delhi, June 17 (NationPress) A 35-year-old man masquerading as an astrologer was apprehended by the Cyber Police of North District, Delhi, after allegedly swindling a 28-year-old woman out of Rs 3 lakh under the pretense of providing astrological and spiritual remedies.
The accused, named Sumit Bhargav, hails from Manyavas, Mansarovar, Jaipur. He utilized Instagram to attract victims with advertisements that promised to resolve personal and emotional challenges through 'spiritual' solutions.
The victim, an IT analyst from Sant Nagar, Burari in Delhi, stumbled upon his Instagram profile and reached out to him via WhatsApp to discuss her personal issues.
Bhargav, claiming to provide astrological remedies, requested payments in installments, ultimately amounting to approximately Rs 3 lakh for various rituals and to eliminate “negative energy” from her life.
Police reported that the victim quickly realized she had been deceived when no remedies were executed and the accused ceased communication.
She lodged a complaint through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), prompting the registration of an FIR under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at PS Cyber North.
Recognizing the seriousness of the crime, a specialized police team led by SI Tasveer Mathur, including ASI Sandeep and HC Vinit, was formed under the vigilant oversight of Inspector Rohit Gahlot, SHO/PS Cyber North, along with guidance from Ratanpal Singh, ACP/Operations Cell, North District, Delhi.
"During the inquiry, bank account details and Call Detail Records of the alleged phone numbers were obtained, along with money tracking and other technical information from different sources," stated a release from the Delhi Police.
"Preliminary investigations have indicated that the victim was systematically and professionally deceived. Continuous technical surveillance and manual intelligence have been developed," it continued.
Numerous raids were executed in the Mansarovar and Vidhyadhar Nagar regions of Jaipur. Bhargav was located at his residence and questioned by the Delhi Police team.
He confessed to posting ads for spiritual remedies online, claiming he learned the craft from his grandparents and father, who practiced astrology.
He asserted that he had performed symbolic rituals in Vrindavan, UP, but acknowledged there were no genuine results.
A mobile phone containing a SIM card linked to the crime was confiscated, and the bank account used for receiving the money has been frozen. Bhargav has been charged under Section 35(3) of BNSS, and further investigations are in progress.
The Delhi Police have urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with such online claims and to report any suspicious activities immediately.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight the increasing number of online scams, especially those exploiting vulnerable individuals seeking guidance. The case of the fake astrologer underscores the need for greater awareness and robust measures to combat such frauds in our digital age.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the fake astrologer?
The arrest was made following a complaint by the victim who realized she had been defrauded after paying Rs 3 lakh for non-existent remedies.
How did the accused lure victims?
The accused used Instagram to advertise spiritual solutions for personal problems, attracting unsuspecting victims.
What steps did the police take during the investigation?
The police conducted raids, traced bank accounts, and employed technical surveillance to unravel the scam.
What precautions can individuals take against online scams?
Individuals should verify the credentials of online service providers and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
What charges has the accused faced?
The accused has been charged under Section 35(3) of BNSS, with ongoing investigations to uncover further details.
