04 July,2014 06:56 AM IST | | Sagar Rajput
Husband, wife and adopted son would call people to their house under the pretext of solving their problems by using black magic. Wife would con Hindus and her son would dupe Muslims
A couple and their adopted son have been arrested for allegedly duping people for the last three years, on the pretext of solving their personal problems.
The trio did not charge any fixed amount and would ask their followers to pay as per their wish. Pics/Siddharth Dhadve
Mulund police have identified the accused as Harish Rathod, his wife Nanda, and their son Mangesh Pichara. According to officials, Nanda would con Hindus and her son Mangesh would dupe Muslims. Harish would approach people to start following them, and insist these followers to get more people.
"The trio called their followers twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Anyone who had problems, like the inability to get pregnant, or alcoholism, or even medical issues would be asked to meet them," said an officer from Mulund police station. On the pretext of solving their issues, they would call them inside their home and tie an amulet, claiming it would make all their worries go away.
The incident came to light when a complainant, after going to the family for three years, approached an activist, since her problems were not getting solved. The activist, Aruna Ghadge, along with locals, went to the family's Mulund house on Tuesday, and handed them over to the police.
"We verified the story and arrested them. Till date, seven people have filed complaints against the trio. We do not know how much money they have taken, as they did not charge any fixed amount and would always ask their followers to pay as per their wishes," informed the police officer.
