India News : The Cyber Police of New Delhi district have arrested a cyber fraudster who posed as an online ‘tantrik’ (occult practitioner) on Instagram and duped people of lakhs of rupees by exploiting their fear and faith. The accused has been identified as Rahul (20), a resident of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
According to police, the accused lured people on social media by claiming to perform special rituals, spiritual healing, and black magic to solve personal and family problems. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said the case came to light after a woman from Chanakyapuri lodged a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal.
The woman stated that she came across a ‘spiritual healer’ page on Instagram that claimed to remove negative energies through rituals. The fraudster allegedly told her that her home was haunted by evil spirits and demanded money to perform special prayers. Believing him, she transferred ₹1,14,000. Soon after receiving the money, the accused cut off all contact.
During investigation, police traced the accused through his Instagram handle, phone numbers, and bank transactions. The money trail revealed deposits into accounts belonging to Rahul and his family members. The accused kept changing his location, but was eventually arrested from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, using technical surveillance and local intelligence.
Interrogation revealed that Rahul operated multiple fake Instagram accounts and a website offering services like black magic, love problem solutions, breakup fixes, husband-wife dispute resolutions, and other superstitious claims. He promoted his videos through paid advertisements to reach more potential victims.
So far, the police have found that he defrauded over 50 people using the same modus operandi. Authorities recovered three mobile phones, five SIM cards, three debit cards, three cheque books, and one fake website from his possession.
