In a striking case highlighting how emotional vulnerabilities can be exploited for financial gain, a 28-year-old fashion designing student from Gujarat’s Karjan area has alleged that she was cheated of nearly ₹4 lakh after being promised reconciliation with her former boyfriend through so-called occult rituals. Police have registered a cheating case against two accused and launched an investigation into the matter.
According to the complaint, the woman came into contact with accused Jayant Vasava last year through Instagram after he sent her a friend request. What began as a social media interaction gradually developed into regular conversations over the phone, and the two reportedly met on several occasions.
During their interactions, the woman shared details about her personal life, including a painful breakup with her former boyfriend. She allegedly expressed her desire to reunite with him and restore the relationship. Investigators say this emotional situation became the basis of the alleged fraud.
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Alleged Occult Ritual Claims Used to Gain Trust
The complaint states that Vasava claimed he knew an occult practitioner capable of performing special rituals that could help bring the former boyfriend back into her life. He allegedly assured the woman that the rituals would influence the situation and help restore the relationship.
Initially, the accused reportedly demanded ₹30,000 for carrying out the rituals. Believing the promises and hoping for a positive outcome, the woman paid the amount. However, according to the complaint, the financial demands did not stop there.
Police said Vasava allegedly continued to tell the woman that the rituals were in progress and required additional money to ensure success. Each time she sought updates, she was reportedly assured that results would become visible soon and that the reconciliation process was moving forward.
Loans and Jewellery Handed Over
When the woman informed him that she could not afford to make further payments, the accused allegedly persuaded her to obtain loans through a mobile application. Investigators say she was repeatedly encouraged to arrange additional funds based on assurances that the promised outcome was only days away.
According to the complaint, the accused not only collected money through various payments but also obtained the woman’s gold ornaments. The woman alleged that she handed over the jewellery after being convinced that it was necessary as part of the process being carried out on her behalf.
The investigation further revealed allegations that the ornaments were subsequently pledged through another accused, Jayesh Patel. As a result, the woman allegedly lost money through direct payments, app-based loans and the value of the pledged jewellery. The total loss is estimated at nearly ₹4 lakh.
Police Investigation and Digital Evidence Review
The complainant stated that despite months of assurances, neither did the promised reconciliation take place nor were her money and valuables returned. As doubts grew and repeated requests allegedly yielded no results, she realised that she may have been deceived and approached the police.
Following her complaint, a case of cheating was registered against the two accused. Investigators are now examining financial transactions, mobile communication records and documents related to the pledged jewellery to determine the exact flow of funds and establish the sequence of events.
Officials are also exploring whether the accused may have used similar methods to target other individuals facing emotional distress or relationship problems. Investigators believe that fraudsters increasingly exploit personal vulnerabilities, using psychological manipulation and false promises to gain trust before extracting money.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that frauds originating through social media are no longer limited to investment scams or fake job offers. Criminals are increasingly targeting emotions, relationships and personal crises to manipulate victims. He advised people to remain cautious of miracle solutions, occult claims and requests for money from online acquaintances, and to immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police are analysing digital evidence and financial records to determine how the funds and valuables were utilised and whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged fraud.
