Black magic gang forecasts a downpour of riches, leaves Malad-based jeweller counting losses
The gang claimed they could conjure up coins that would fetch exorbitant prices in India and abroad. Representation pic/iStock
The Kurar police have arrested a man for cheating and practising black magic after he allegedly duped a local jeweller of Rs 7.5 lakh by claiming he could magically convert copper metal into rare antique coins worth crores.
The arrested accused has been identified as Suraj alias Tinku Namdev More. Three of his associates, including a self-proclaimed astrologer and a self-styled tantric, are absconding.
According to police, the accused targeted a 47-year-old goldsmith who owns a jewellery shop in Malad East. The complainant was allegedly lured with claims that copper, silver, or gold could be transformed into miraculous antique coins using secret chemicals, mantras, and black magic rituals.
The gang claimed these coins could fetch exorbitant prices in India and abroad and even promised that the process could “make it
rain money”.
In his statement, the complainant said he was first introduced to Hasibul alias Pintu Sheikh, a local resident. Sheikh later brought in Santosh Gangaram Shelar, a self-proclaimed astrologer who carried so-called mystical stones. The trio eventually introduced Suraj More, projecting him as the mastermind behind the so-called miracle coin process.
In September 2024, after repeated persuasion, the jeweller handed over '3.5 lakh. When no coins were delivered, the accused cited a fake police raid in Bhayandar as an excuse for the delay.
In March 2025, the gang struck again, convincing the jeweller to invest more money. This time, '4 lakh was paid through cash and online transfers. The accused then made the complainant rent a room at an SRA building in Malad East, which they turned into a so-called black magic laboratory.
Police said the accused staged elaborate rituals, coating copper coins with chemicals, wrapping them in red cloth, placing needles beside them and chanting mantras. A man identifying himself as Sunny Dutta Bengali, posing as a tantric expert, allegedly led the rituals, claiming the process would take 10 to 15 days.
On March 19, the gang demanded an additional Rs 60,000, promising a “final miracle”. After collecting the money, all the accused disappeared without delivering any coins or refunding the total amount of Rs 7.5 lakh, police said.
After repeated follow-ups failed, the victim approached the Kurar police, who registered a case.
“Under the guidance of DCP Mahesh Chimate and Senior Inspector Sanjeev Tavde, PSI Avinash Nalavade and his detection team arrested Suraj alias Tinku More on January 4. The other accused, including Hasibul Sheikh, Santosh Shelar, and Sunny Dutta Bengali, are currently absconding,” said a police officer.
The police are probing whether the gang has cheated other jewellers or individuals using similar scams.
Rs 7.5L
Total amount conned
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
