Bahraich: In a remarkable breakthrough, Bahraich police have arrested two individuals for conducting fraudulent activities using “magical stones” to deceive women. The accused, who hailed from the neighboring state of Uttarakhand, traveled across various cities in Uttar Pradesh to carry out their illicit operations, convincing women to part with cash and jewelry in exchange for mystical cures for their personal problems.
The arrest was made by the Dehat Kotwali Police, who recovered magical stones, gold and silver jewelry, a brass bowl, and a motorcycle from the possession of the two inter-state conmen.
Details of the Crime:
According to police reports, the first case of fraud was registered on May 13, 2024, at the Nagar Kotwali Police Station. A second similar complaint was filed on December 12, 2024, but no arrests had been made until that point. On December 31, 2024, the Dehat Kotwali Police unearthed another fraud incident in the district, leading to an official investigation. Similar fraudulent activities were also reported in Sant Kabir Nagar’s Mehdawal and Khalilabad, where the police had registered cases against unidentified perpetrators.
Police Investigation:
To identify the culprits, the police team meticulously reviewed CCTV footage and used manual intelligence. Their efforts led them to the suspects, Sohail Khan and Farmaan, both residents of Gularbhoj village in Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. The police received a tip-off that the two were plotting another scam and were seen standing near a bridge on Huzurpur Road.
Modus Operandi:
The accused targeted women, particularly those in rural areas or marketplaces. They would demonstrate the supposed magical powers of the stones, claiming that the stones could solve the women’s family issues through chants and rituals. The victims, lured by these claims, handed over their jewelry and cash, believing that they were making a spiritual exchange. The fraudsters would then disappear with the valuables.
Recovered Items:
From the possession of the accused, the police recovered:
- One pair of earrings
- One necklace
- One mangalsutra
- Two magical stones
- One brass bowl
- Two motorcycles
- Rs. 10,590 in cash
The accused have been taken into custody, and further investigations are underway. The police continue to probe for any additional victims in the case.
Police Team Involved in the Arrest:
The arrest and investigation were carried out by a special team formed by the Superintendent of Police, which worked tirelessly to expose this criminal network and bring the fraudsters to justice.
