Lucknow: Police on Saturday arrested two men from Delhi for posing as ‘aghori sadhus’ and duping unsuspecting people into parting with valuables during fake rituals.The arrests followed a complaint by Jankipuram resident Shambhavi Shukla, who approached Madiaon police 10 days ago, alleging that a man dressed as a holy figure offered to “improve her fortunes” and rid her of problems. During the ritual, he handed her a flower and in that moment of distraction, slipped a ring off her finger.Acting on CCTV footage and a tip-off, police intercepted two suspects near Bhitauli flyover on Saturday. They were identified as Sakib Nath, 28, and Arun, 27, both residents of south Delhi. Police recovered Rs 31,700 in cash from the duo.SHO Madiaon Shivanand Mishra said the duo engaged their targets with religious talk and blessings while using sleight of hand to remove rings or chains. The stolen items were then quickly sold off for cash.Police said Sakib has two prior cases lodged against him in Gautam Budh Nagar, while Arun has one theft and cheating case in Agra. Investigators are now probing if the duo carried out similar crimes in Lucknow and nearby districts by exploiting people’s religious beliefs. Police are trying to identify other possible victims and accomplices.
