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7 Arrested in Vizag for Rs 28 Lakh Scam

Visakhapatnam: Seven individuals, including a self-proclaimed spiritual guru known as Yogendra Baba, have been arrested for allegedly defrauding four people of Rs 28 lakh through a scam in Visakhapatnam district’s Anandapuram mandal. The details of the modus operandi were briefed during a press conference by circle inspector Vasu Naidu.

The main accused, Paidipati Venkata Bhargav Raghava, 35, operating as pseudonym Yogendra Baba, reportedly convinced the victims they would receive a golden locket through special religious rituals.

The scam was exposed after the victim, Appala Raju, a resident of Bantupallivari Kalal, lodged a complaint with the police. Appala Raju had been introduced to Yogendra Baba and his associates two months ago through relatives. Enticed by promises of a golden locket, the victim enlisted three friends to help raise funds for the costly rituals.

The accused had set up an elaborate arrangement, renting a house in Anandapuram and burying containers filled with stones referred to as ‘Lanka Bindas’ in a local temple. Victims were taken to these locations for ceremonies where they were led to ‘discover’ the buried containers. The suspects reportedly demanded more money for additional ceremonies and threatened the victims if they refused.

Police recovered Rs 1.75 lakh in cash, mobile phones, a car, brass lockets, gold-plated coins, and sprays from the suspects.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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