Nashik : A Nashik-based mantrik (occult practitioner) who allegedly promised to cure asthma through rituals and later assured a “money shower” at a couple’s home, duped them of Rs 7.5 lakh over four years, prompting police to invoke the Maharashtra Anti-Black Magic Act along with cheating charges.
Gangapur police have registered a case against the accused, a resident of Dhruv Nagar on Gangapur Road, following a complaint filed by a 40-year-old woman from Panvel.
Police said the accused allegedly exploited the couple’s faith by claiming supernatural powers, prescribing bizarre rituals and collecting money in the name of occult practices. Hence, sections of the Anti-Black Magic Act have also been invoked,” a police officer said. Police said the accused then promised a “money shower” at her residence and claimed he could bring prosperity if the couple performed specific rituals.
“The complaint clearly involves claims of curing illness through supernatural means and promises of financial gain through rituals. Believing her condition had improved after the ritual, the woman placed her faith in the mantrik. When her clothing business failed to generate profits, she approached him again. Gradually, she realised that neither had her asthma been cured nor had the promised wealth materialised. With the help of members of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ANIS), she approached Gangapur police and lodged a complaint.