In a landmark judgment, the District Consumer Grievance Redressal Commission has fined a fraudster for cheating a woman by falsely claiming to cure ghosts, witchcraft, and diseases through online rituals. The court has ordered the fraudster to return the money taken from the woman. A woman from the CIDCO area of Nashik came across an advertisement on social media about a so-called "Baba" from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The man claimed he could remove evil spirits, black magic, and diseases from families through a special home havan (ritual) in just one day.
Believing the advertisement, the woman transferred ₹2.51 lakh to the fraudster's bank account via RTGS and performed an online puja (ritual) as instructed. However, when she saw no change in her situation, she realized she had been cheated and approached the District Consumer Grievance Redressal Commission.
The woman filed a case in the consumer court, alleging mental and physical harassment, and initially demanded ₹50 crore as compensation with interest. The court, recognizing the fraud, ruled in her favor and fined the fraudster, making this the first such judgment against such fraudulent practices.
This verdict is being seen as a major victory in the fight against fraudulent claims related to witchcraft and black magic. It has also strengthened the efforts of social organizations like ANiS (Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti), which work to eliminate superstitions.
The case highlights the need for awareness against online scams and fake spiritual healers, urging people to verify claims before making payments.