Fake swamiji cheats woman of 43 gm gold, ₹ 1.3 lakh during ‘special ritual’

A 37-year-old woman alleged that the self-proclaimed swamiji cheated her family of 43 grams of gold ornaments and ₹1.3 million after he promised to resolve her daughter’s marital dispute with a special ritual.

According to the complaint, the accused, identified as Shivakali alias Nithin, was introduced to the family by a neighbor who claimed he could solve domestic problems through spiritual rituals.

Complainant Geeta said the accused visited her house on June 26 after instructing her to ensure that no one else was present. During the ritual, he allegedly claimed that her younger daughter’s life was in danger and insisted that all gold ornaments and cash in the house be brought for a special puja.

Believing his claims, Geeta handed over around 43 grams of gold jewelery and ₹1.3 lakh, which were kept aside for house-related expenses. While performing the ritual, the accused allegedly threw sacred ash into her eyes, hit her from behind, causing her to lose consciousness, and fled with the valuables.

When Geeta later contacted him, the accused allegedly claimed that the gold and cash were tied in a bundle at her house and warned her not to open it for two days as it would mean death if it was opened earlier. After waiting as instructed, she found only tamarind inside the bundle. His cell phone has been switched off since then.

Based on Geeta’s complaint, the Bagalgunte police registered a case of cheating and started an investigation. Efforts are underway to track down and arrest the accused.

Published – 16 Jul 2026 23:04 IST