Nashik: Navi Mumbai police have arrested two self-styled godmen from Nashik for allegedly cheating a 27-year-old woman of Rs 1.9 lakh under the pretext of performing “black magic” and other rituals to ward off her troubles, police said.
FCRF Academy Launches Premier Anti-Money Laundering Certification Program
Accused Claimed Ritual Powers
According to police, the accused contacted the woman at Diwale village in Navi Mumbai and convinced her that she was facing serious life problems. They allegedly told her that special pujas and rituals were required to mitigate her troubles.
The accused claimed to be from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and presented the rituals as necessary interventions. Police said the alleged deception took place under the guise of performing aghori practices.
Rs 1.47 Lakh Cash, Rs 43,000 Online Transfer
Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Kale said the woman was defrauded of Rs 1.47 lakh in cash and Rs 43,000 through online transfers between September and December 2025.
The total alleged loss stood at Rs 1.9 lakh. The police launched a probe after the woman filed a complaint on April 24.
Two Arrested From Nashik
Following the complaint, investigators traced the accused to Ghoti in Nashik district and arrested them. They have been identified as Arjun Bharat Chavan alias Tantan Baba, 21, and Sagar Shivaji Shinde alias Ekalhari Baba, 24.
Police said the accused have been booked under Section 318(4) for cheating and Section 3(5) for common intention under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They have also been booked under provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.
