Astrologer dupes businessman of Rs 20 lakh in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Are you planning to visit an astrologer expecting to get a glimpse of what life has in store for you? Think twice as you might get cheated in the hands of some fraudsters.

In one such incident, a businessman was allegedly duped by an astrologer in Bhubaneswar. As per reports, the astrologer identified as Biswajyoti Arvind Mohanty duped Rs 20 lakh and a car from a city-based businessman.

Sources said the businessman had approached Mohanty to find a solution and resolve all the issues that he was facing in his personal life. After winning the confidence of the businessman’s wife, Mohanty took the money on the pretext of investing in real estate and for money lending.

“He (Mohanty) first won the trust and took nearly Rs 19.50 lakh. For some months, he used to give us some money which he had lent to another businessman. But when I asked him to return the money, he threatened me,” said the complainant.

Later, the businessman lodged a complaint at Nayapalli Police Station after Mohanty did not return his money.

Based on the complaint, cops then nabbed Mohanty on charges of cheating and produced him before the court today. The astrologer, who hails from Khurda district, has been staying in Bhubaneswar for the past several years. The cops reportedly have seized some documents from Mohanty’s house at Badagada area in Bhubaneswar.

“The accused had introduced himself as an astrologer and duped Rs 20 lakh and a car. We have recovered documents and other objectionable items. We are conducting investigation,” said Police Commissioner Satyajit Mohanty.