In a shocking incident that has raised concerns about fraud targeting vulnerable individuals, four suspects were arrested by Thane police for allegedly cheating a 67-year-old Mumbai resident, Chandrakant Chile, out of nearly ₹10 lakh. The accused, identified as Shivling Ingle, Rohit Shinde, Brahmdat Ingle, and Bhavani Ingle, reportedly exploited Chile's fears surrounding black magic and ghosts. The arrests were made following a complaint lodged by Chile, who found himself deeply manipulated by the fraudulent scheme.
The incident unfolded when Chile was attending a birthday celebration in Badlapur, where he encountered the accused, who presented themselves as astrologers. They warned him of an impending crisis due to a ghost threatening his household. To mitigate this supposed danger, they convinced Chile to procure four gold nails weighing 1.5 tolas each, promising to return them after performing rituals. This deceit led to Chile parting with significant sums of money, totaling around ₹10 lakh, under various false pretenses.
- Fraudulent claims — The accused posed as astrologers, exploiting the victim's fears.
- Investigation ongoing — Police suspect involvement of additional accomplices in the scam.
- Legal action initiated — Charges filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Black Magic Act.
As the investigation progressed, police inspector Rajesh Gajjal indicated that the case reflects a worrying trend of fraudsters targeting the elderly, exploiting their vulnerabilities. The police are committed to tracking down any additional individuals involved in this scheme, as evidence suggests a broader network may be at play.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and education regarding such scams, especially among senior citizens who may be more susceptible to manipulation. Authorities encourage individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further victimization.
