Mumbai Police have arrested a former gym trainer for allegedly masquerading as a spiritual healer to defraud and extort vulnerable citizens. The accused, identified as Rhythm Panchal, operated under the name Monty Baba from a vacant plot in Malad East. According to investigators, Panchal constructed a fake identity as a supernatural healer despite having no verified religious or spiritual background. He targeted individuals struggling with personal, financial, or health related problems, promising supernatural cures through staged rituals and claims of divine intervention. The arrest follows multiple complaints from victims who alleged systematic financial exploitation and intimidation at the hands of the accused and his associates.
Staged Rituals and Psychological Manipulation
The fraudulent operation relied heavily on dramatic performances designed to instill a mix of fear and devotion. Panchal organized gatherings twice a week, typically on Thursdays and Saturdays, which often extended late into the night to heighten the atmospheric effect. During these sessions, he allegedly claimed to be possessed by a goddess, using these performances to exert psychological control over his followers. Police report that these rituals were a calculated effort to create an environment where victims felt compelled to follow his instructions without question. To maintain this illusion of spiritual authority, the accused utilized specific items and late night settings to manipulate the emotional state of those seeking help for issues ranging from evil spirits to childbirth.
Allegations of Extortion and Unusual Demands
Investigators revealed that the spiritual facade was used as a cover for a sophisticated extortion racket. Panchal reportedly demanded that his followers provide him with money alongside unusual offerings such as liquor, cigarettes, live chickens, and goat livers. While these were presented as essential components for his spiritual practices, authorities suspect they were primarily tools for financial exploitation and maintaining dominance over his victims. In several instances, followers who hesitated or refused to meet these demands were allegedly threatened by individuals acting on behalf of the accused. The Dindoshi Police noted that these coercive tactics were part of a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at ensuring a continuous flow of payments and goods from the group.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Following a detailed probe into the activities at the Malad site, the Dindoshi Police registered a case against Rhythm Panchal under the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act. He also faces charges related to cheating and criminal intimidation. Authorities are currently analyzing financial transactions, communication records, and recovered items to determine the full scale of the fraud. A senior officer stated that the entire setup was a carefully designed network for financial exploitation rather than a genuine healing center. While Panchal is expected to be produced before a court, investigators are working to identify any accomplices who may have assisted in collecting funds or supporting the operation. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant against those claiming supernatural powers and to report similar suspicious activities to the authorities.
