Brahmapur: A tantric was arrested in Odisha’s Ganjam district for allegedly duping people by claiming he could cure diseases, settle disputes and control opponents through rituals, police said Saturday.
The accused, identified as Krishna Muni (24), a resident of D Singpur, was arrested under various sections of the BNS, the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013, and the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, they said.
Ganjam SP Harish BC said a case was registered at Gangapur police station on the basis of a suo motu report filed by inspector-in-charge Banabihari Pradhan, who had received information that Muni had been practising black magic and tantric rituals for a long time at a half-constructed temple on the outskirts of the village.
A police team raided the site and recovered articles allegedly used in tantric rituals, including cowries, red thread, coloured powders, sindoor and a steel knife.
The accused claimed he could cure diseases, resolve disputes and control opponents through mantras and rituals, police said.
He publicised his claims through social media, attracting people from various parts of Ganjam, Khordha, Bhadrak and Baleshwar districts, as well as from outside Odisha, they said.
Last month, he organised a special ritual at the temple, which was attended by around 50 to 100 people. During such rituals, he allegedly rendered some visitors unconscious through tricks and collected large sums of money from them without providing any relief, police said.
“His younger brother, who is also an accused in the case, allegedly assisted him in the illegal activities. He is absconding, and efforts are underway to apprehend him,” Bhanjanagar SDPO Deepak Kumar Mishra said.
PTI
