Bijnor A family in Dhampur, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, has allegedly been cheated of around ₹70 lakh in the name of exorcism and religious rituals after the accused allegedly exploited the illness of their son. The family was allegedly frightened with claims that the boy’s life was in danger and that his condition was linked to the alleged influence of Goddess Kali. The accused allegedly demanded money for rituals at different places and subsequently pressured the family to sell their house and jewellery and take loans against their employment. Dhampur police have arrested four people in connection with the case.
According to police, the family’s son had been unwell when the accused allegedly came into contact with them. They allegedly portrayed the illness not as a normal medical condition but as the result of a religious or supernatural influence, creating fear among the family members. The accused allegedly told the family that the boy could die if specific rituals and exorcism were not performed. Worried about their son’s life, the family allegedly began following the instructions given by the accused.
According to the complaint, the family was subsequently asked to pay money for rituals and exorcism at different locations. Initially, the family allegedly made payments from its available resources. As the expenses increased, the accused allegedly advised them to arrange money through other means. The family has alleged that they were pressured to sell their house and jewellery or pledge the valuables to raise funds.
The family further alleged that the accused kept them under psychological pressure in the name of saving their son’s life. They allegedly assured the family that the boy would recover and be protected from any misfortune if the prescribed rituals were performed. The family claims that it raised money through the sale of the house and jewellery and also took loans on the basis of employment before handing over the money to the accused.
According to the police investigation, the accused allegedly collected around ₹70 lakh from the family. A substantial portion of the money was allegedly taken in the name of rituals, exorcism and ensuring the son’s safety. The family was allegedly repeatedly warned that the boy’s condition could worsen if the prescribed religious remedies were not performed. Fearing for his life, the family allegedly continued following the accused’s instructions.
The matter eventually came to the police after the family began suspecting that it had been cheated and demanded an account of the money and its return. Based on the complaint, Dhampur police began an investigation and arrested four people. Police are questioning the accused to determine where the money allegedly collected from the family was used and whether other people were involved in the alleged fraud.
As part of the investigation, police may examine financial transactions, bank accounts, cash payments, documents related to the sale of the house, records concerning the jewellery and documents related to loans taken by the family. Investigators are also examining how the accused allegedly gained the family’s trust and the basis on which claims were made about the son’s illness and alleged threat to his life.
Police said the investigation is continuing on the basis of questioning of the arrested accused and available evidence. The exact amount allegedly taken from the family and the role of all individuals involved will become clear as the investigation progresses. For now, the allegations are being examined on the basis of the family’s complaint and the evidence collected by police.
