Bengaluru: A casual roadside astrology reading turned into a costly ordeal for an income tax (I-T) officer, who was allegedly cheated of gold and silver ornaments and cash worth over Rs 31 lakh by a self-styled astrologer promising rituals to improve his personal life and career.According to a complaint lodged with Bharathinagar police, Ramesh (name changed), an administrative officer of the I-T department posted in Koramangala, came in contact with Shekhar in Dec 2025 when the latter was sitting by the roadside offering parrot astrology readings.As Shekhar allegedly claimed he could predict a person’s future by just looking at his face, Ramesh asked him to read his horoscope. During the interaction, Shekhar allegedly told him that he was going through a difficult phase in life and advised him to perform a special ritual that would cost Rs 50,000. Ramesh returned a week later and handed over the money. Shekhar then assured him that the ritual would be performed and promised to call him once it was completed.A few days later, the astrologer told Ramesh that the ritual had been performed. However, he soon claimed that a “more powerful ritual” was necessary for the I-T officer’s career growth, promotions and overall prosperity. Ramesh initially rejected the suggestion. Later, when Ramesh approached the astrologer seeking clarity about his pending transfer proposal at work, Shekhar once again insisted that a larger ritual was required. He asked Ramesh to bring all the gold and silver ornaments from his house, assuring him they would be returned after the ritual.Ramesh eventually agreed. On Feb 20, when his family members were away, he collected gold ornaments weighing about 194 grams, including a necklace, earrings and a bracelet, along with silver ornaments weighing around 1.3 kg, and handed them over to Shekhar. The astrologer told him to return the next day to collect them.However, Shekhar allegedly kept delaying the return of the valuables, claiming the ritual was still underway. When Ramesh insisted on getting the ornaments back, the accused stopped responding to his calls and allegedly threatened him and his family with dire consequences.Police said efforts are underway to arrest the accused who is now on the run.MSID:: 129337741 413 |
