Police Station Mahanagar Cracks Down on "Hypnotic Heist" Gang

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Gang of Tricksters Busted for Duping People Under the Guise of Occult Practices.
Three Arrested, One Juvenile Apprehended in Connection with “Tappebaazi” (Sleight-of-Hand Theft).
Mahanagar Police Operation Leads to Swift Apprehension.

Lucknow: Within 12 hours of receiving complaints, Mahanagar police have successfully busted a gang of tricksters involved in “Tappebaazi” – a form of sleight-of-hand theft – by deceiving people under the pretense of performing occult rituals. The gang, disguised as sadhus (Hindu ascetics), would use hypnotic techniques to swindle unsuspecting individuals.

The arrested individuals have been identified as: 1. Kandunath, son of Sarupnath, resident of Jeevan Nagar Ward 11, Malout, Muktsar, Punjab, approximately 54 years old; 2. Arjun, son of Ladunath, resident of Datta Road, Joginayanwali Basti, Kotsekha, Moga, Punjab, approximately 20 years old; and 3. Nailunath, son of Makhanath, resident of Jeevan Nagar Ward 11, Malout, Muktsar, Punjab, approximately 40 years old. A minor, approximately 17 years old, residing in Jogian Wali Basti, Faridkot, Punjab, was also taken into custody.

The arrests were made near Badshahnagar Railway Station in Mahanagar, Lucknow, on April 27, 2025. This swift action followed the registration of two cases at Police Station Mahanagar on the same date, based on written complaints filed by the victims: Case Crime No. 96/2025 and Case Crime No. 97/2025, both under Sections 318(4)/317(2)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Modus Operandi:

The accused, dressed as sadhus would deploy the minor accomplice to approach passersby, initially asking for small amounts like ₹10 or ₹20. Subsequently, they would perform a ritual involving chanting mantras and seemingly magically placing rice and money in the victim’s hand, instructing them to close their fist. After more chanting, they would ask the victim to open their hand, revealing a Rudraksha bead.

The gang would then lure the victim to a secluded spot, where they would allegedly hypnotize them and steal valuable items such as gold chains, rings, and cash before fleeing.

Investigations revealed that these individuals primarily come from Punjab, using Lucknow’s railway stations as temporary shelters at night. They would commit these acts of deception in the Lucknow area and then return to Punjab by train.

Details of the Arrested Accused:

Kandunath, son of Sarupnath, resident of Jeevan Nagar Ward 11, Malout, Muktsar, Punjab, approximately 54 years old.
Arjun, son of Ladunath, resident of Datta Road, Joginayanwali Basti, Kotsekha, Moga, Punjab, approximately 20 years old.
Nailunath, son of Makhanath, resident of Jeevan Nagar Ward 11, Malout, Muktsar, Punjab, approximately 40 years old.
Minor (Juvenile), approximately 17 years old.

Recovered Items:

One yellow metal chain (obtained through deception).
₹3100/- in cash.
Rudraksha beads, rice grains, a “Kamandal” (water pot used by ascetics), some pearls, and small glass Shivling idols.

Registered Cases:

Case Crime No. 96/2025, Sections 318(4)/317(2)/3(5) BNS, Police Station Mahanagar, Lucknow.
Case Crime No. 97/2025, Sections 318(4)/317(2)/3(5) BNS, Police Station Mahanagar, Lucknow.

Police Team Involved in the Arrest: