Cyber police in Chandigarh have arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly cheating a woman of nearly ₹40 lakh over the past year by posing as a tantrik and later as a maulvi on social media platforms, exploiting her emotional vulnerability and instilling fear of supernatural consequences.
The accused has been identified as Rohit Bhargav, a resident of Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district. He was arrested following a detailed technical investigation after the victim approached the cyber crime police station with a complaint last month.
According to police officials, the woman was experiencing mental distress due to ongoing family issues when she came across advertisements on Facebook and Instagram promoting spiritual healing services. The ads claimed to resolve domestic and emotional problems through occult practices and religious rituals.
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Believing the claims, she contacted the number listed in the advertisement and soon began regular conversations with the accused, who introduced himself as a tantrik. Over time, he allegedly convinced her that negative energies and supernatural threats were responsible for her troubles.
To reinforce the deception, investigators said Bhargav later switched identities, presenting himself as a maulvi and claiming that powerful rituals were required to protect her family from imminent danger.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) A. Venkatesh said the accused systematically built trust before instilling fear.
“He warned the complainant of dire consequences, including illness and death in the family, if specific rituals were not performed. Using this psychological pressure, he persuaded her to transfer money repeatedly for so-called spiritual remedies,” the officer said.
Police said the woman made multiple online transfers and payments over nearly 12 months, eventually losing around ₹40 lakh. The accused allegedly used emotionally charged messages, voice calls and fabricated spiritual narratives to keep the victim engaged and compliant.
The case came to light after the woman, suspecting fraud, reported the matter to Chandigarh cyber police. Investigators traced the financial transactions and digital footprints, leading them to Jhunjhunu, where Bhargav was arrested.
During questioning, police recovered mobile phones and digital evidence linking the accused to the fake social media profiles and payment trails. Officers are now examining bank records and devices to determine whether other victims were targeted using similar tactics.
Preliminary findings suggest the accused operated alone, though police are probing possible links to organised cyber fraud networks that use religious or spiritual fronts to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Officials said a chargesheet will be filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act once the investigation is completed.
Cyber police have also issued an advisory urging citizens to remain cautious of online spiritual healers and miracle cure claims circulated on social media platforms.
“Fraudsters increasingly exploit faith and emotional distress to manipulate victims. People should avoid transferring money to unknown individuals based on online claims and verify credentials before engaging in any paid services,” a senior officer said.
Authorities have appealed to residents to report suspicious online activity immediately to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the nearest cyber police station.
Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims and trace the proceeds of crime.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
