Navi Mumbai woman duped by ‘black magic’ fraudster posing as baba; police launch probe

An investigation has been initiated to trace and apprehend the criminal. Representational Pic

A woman in Navi Mumbai has alleged that she was cheated of money by a man posing as a ‘baba' who claimed she was under the influence of black magic and needed expensive rituals to cure it, police said on Wednesday.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Kale, the incident took place between September and December 2025. "A woman was cheated and money was taken from her in a fraud case. An accused, posing as a fake baba, visited her house and told her she was affected by black magic and facing several problems in life," Kale said.

‘Aghori puja' used as pretext to extort money

The accused allegedly convinced the woman that an ‘Aghori puja' was necessary to remove the supposed curse and told her he would bring his ‘guru' to perform the ritual. Over a period of time, he extracted money from her under various pretexts related to the rituals.

Victim comes forward after similar cases surface

Police said the woman came forward after noticing similar cases reported over the past two months, prompting her to realise that she had been duped in a similar manner. She subsequently lodged a complaint with the police.

Police urge caution, probe underway

An investigation has been initiated to trace and apprehend the criminal, and officials have urged citizens to remain cautious of individuals making claims related to black magic or supernatural remedies.

Ashok Kharat remanded in judicial custody till May 12 in 7th sexual exploitation case

A Nashik court on Wednesday remanded self-styled astrologer-cum-godman Ashok Kharat in judicial custody till May 12 in the seventh case of sexual exploitation registered against him.

Allegations of sexual abuse and financial fraud

Kharat allegedly sexually exploited several women and indulged in large-scale financial fraud by claiming to have divine powers and knowledge of black magic.

Survivor alleges assault under threat

In the seventh case, he is accused of sexually exploiting a married woman who had approached him seeking solutions to her family problems.

The accused allegedly gave the woman something to drink, sexually assaulted her while her husband waited outside his office, and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.