'Fake baba' dupes over Rs 3 lakh from childless couple in Cuttack

Despite advancement of medical science, a lot of people are still falling into traps laid by several self-styled Godman who claim to have every solution to any disease or problems. In one incident, a couple in Cuttack was the latest to get duped by one such fake baba.

As per reports, the couple was childless and had sought help of the self-styled Godman, identified as Siddheswar Samantray. The Godman duped the couple to the tune of Rs 3.90 lakh on the pretext of helping them to conceive by performing several pujas and other rituals.

Sangram Dash, the complainant informed, “It was for the past few years that we were facing issues in having a child. Despite several medical treatments, there was no progress. We had completely lost hope and it was during this phase that we came to know about the baba from a friend.”

Dash informed that the baba took Rs 3.90 lakh from him in lieu of some ayurvedic medicines, pujas and other rituals.

“The baba had claimed that he had ashrams in different parts of the state and outside. However, we started suspecting him after our health condition started deteriorating after consuming the ayurvedic medicines,” Dash added.

Amarendra Panda, ACP Zone-6 said, “The self-styled godman had taken Rs 3.90 lakh on the pretext of doing six to seven pujas. When the couple refused to pay more as they did not get any benefits, the Godman threatened them.”

According to Panda, the Badambadi Police swung into action after the victim lodged a complaint against the Godman yesterday.

“A case of cheating under Section 6 of Odisha Prevention of Witch Hunting Act has been filed. The accused had also cheated several childless couple in different parts of the state. We are further investigating the matter,” Panda added.

(Reported by Debasish Mohanty)