Fake Tantrik Arrested for Ghost Exorcism Scam: How He Deceived Dozens Through Instagram

The accused convinced the woman that her house was haunted by ghosts.

A counterfeit spiritual healer from Rajasthan was apprehended on Monday for defrauding numerous individuals of substantial sums under the guise of exorcism services and problem-solving rituals.

The suspect, Rahul (20), had established an online presence as a "tantrik" through an Instagram account named 'aghori_ji_rajasthan', which he used to deceive victims. The scheme was exposed when Delhi resident Manisha Naveen Jilouya from Chanakyapuri contacted the self-proclaimed tantrik via Instagram.

Rahul persuaded Manisha that malevolent spirits had infested her home and that specialized religious ceremonies would be necessary for their removal. To enhance the credibility of his claims, he sent fabricated images featuring ghostly apparitions designed to instill fear. Subsequently, he requested Rs 1,14,000 to perform the supposed rituals. After receiving the payment, he ceased all communication with Manisha, ignoring her attempts to reach him.

Following this incident, Manisha submitted a formal complaint through the cybercrime portal, prompting Delhi police to register a case. Investigators gathered information regarding the suspect's mobile number, social media presence, and financial transactions. Eventually, authorities located Rahul in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, where he was taken into custody.

During questioning, Rahul admitted to creating fraudulent Instagram profiles and websites specifically to manipulate people's emotions and fears for financial gain. He also disclosed his practice of purchasing advertisements to promote his deceptive "tantrik" content.

The investigation revealed that Rahul had successfully defrauded more than 50 individuals, according to official reports.

Law enforcement officials have seized three mobile devices, five SIM cards, three debit cards, and three checkbooks from the accused.

Police are currently working to identify all victims of the scheme.