In the name of curbing evil spirits, con man dupes family of Rs 8 lakh

New Delhi: To curb family problems, Dharmendra Kumar, a resident of Palam, came in contact with a cheater who in the name of prayer duped him of Rs eight lakh in South West Delhi. Police have arrested the accused in the case.

The 29-year-old victim on January 20 approached the Palam village police station and told police that in his house, some untoward incidents were happening and he was depressed.

"On January 3, an unknown person called him on his phone stating that there is some evil spirits in the house," police said. To remove the evil, Kumar had to arrange Rs eight lakh to carry out the ritual.

"The caller told the victim that all the notes should be in the denomination of Rs 2,000 which will be kept during prayer," said police officer.

The victim Kumar arranged the money, the alleged accused came to the house and asked Kumar to put the money in the bundle for the prayer and further asked not to touch the bundle after and during the prayer. Later, he asked the complainant to bring a glass of water.

"After the prayer, the alleged person asked Kumar to send someone with him to a ritual place in Nizamuddin for more prayer offerings. Kumar sent his brother with the accused who after reaching the place went inside and told the victim's brother to wait outside. After waiting for long time, the cheater did not return," police said.

Later, Kumar's brother came back home. "After suspicion, Kumar checked the plastic in which money was kept and found that money which was put for prayer was exchanged with bundles of paper in which Children's Bank of India were written," added an investigator.

The police team started the investigation. "We have analyzed CDR, other details which led to the arresting of one accused in the case identified as Akram, a resident of Village Chhetela, Muzaffarnagar," police said.

An officer further claimed that they are searching for the other accused in the case. Further investigation is in the progress and efforts are being made to ascertain their involvements in other cases.