Mumbai, March 20 (NationPress) In a disturbing incident of cyber fraud, a 22-year-old woman from the Sion area of Mumbai was reportedly swindled out of Rs 15.93 lakh by scammers masquerading as spiritual healers who claimed to harness the powers of jinns (supernatural entities) and tantric arts. This elaborate scam, which originated on social media, unfolded over a period of nearly two and a half years.

According to authorities, the Mumbai Cyber Cell has initiated a case and is currently conducting a thorough investigation. The victim, a resident of Pratiksha Nagar in Sion, first encountered the fraudsters in 2023 while exploring Instagram.

She came across a post labeled “Powerful Obsession Healer,” which promised solutions to various problems related to career, relationships, and personal wellness. After clicking on the link, she was redirected to WhatsApp, where she began conversing with an individual who alternately identified himself as “Wahid” and “Sahil.”

The accused initially built trust by assuring the victim of a prosperous future. He later convinced her to participate in a special tantric ritual, claiming it would resolve her issues. Gradually, he asserted that he possessed a jinn capable of granting her wishes, including financial success and emotional fulfillment.

Trusting his assertion, the woman consented to the rituals, which started with a demand for Rs 25,000. However, the fraudster continued to solicit funds under various pretexts, including incomplete rituals, the need to eliminate negative energies, and even using threats that the jinn was displeased and needed offerings.

As the deceit escalated, the victim transferred money to multiple bank accounts linked to the accused. Each transaction was conducted under different names, including Sumra Mohammed, Mohsin Salim, and Gulnaz, indicating a potential organized cybercrime operation.

In a particularly heart-wrenching decision, the woman sold her family’s gold to fund these payments, yet despite her continuous monetary contributions, she saw no outcomes, and the demands persisted.

After a prolonged period, she finally recognized that she had been deceived and reached out to the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 to file a formal complaint.

Following her report, the Cyber Cell began tracking the Instagram profiles, phone numbers, and bank information associated with the accused. Investigators suspect this case could be a part of a broader network exploiting individuals through social media by preying on their superstitions and emotional vulnerabilities.

Authorities have advised the public to exercise caution when interacting with unknown individuals online and to be wary of claims involving supernatural abilities or promises of guaranteed solutions to personal issues.