Astrologer held for duping IT analyst of Rs 3 lakh

An astrologer who allegedly cheated people by promising to remove “negative energy” from their lives through paid spiritual rituals has been arrested by Delhi Police from Jaipur.

The accused, identified as 35-year-old Sumit Bhargav, was arrested after a 28-year-old IT analyst filed a complaint, stating that he had duped her of nearly Rs 3 lakh.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Raja Banthia, Bhargav was running an online network of spiritual scams targeting emotionally vulnerable individuals. “He would post astrology-related content on social media, establish contact with interested users and exploit their insecurities to convince them to pay for elaborate, but fraudulent rituals,” said DCP Banthia.

The victim, who works with an IT firm, came across Bhargav’s profile online and was persuaded to seek his spiritual guidance. He allegedly told her that her personal and professional setbacks were due to negative energy and claimed that religious rituals could resolve her issues.

“Over time, he convinced her to transfer nearly Rs 3 lakh in multiple transactions for rituals he claimed were being conducted in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. When no results appeared and he stopped responding, she approached the police,” the officer added.

A case was registered under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which empowers police to arrest without a warrant. A team was formed and conducted raids in Jaipur’s Mansarovar and Vidhyadhar Nagar areas.

Bhargav was traced to his residence, where he lived with his wife and two children. During interrogation, he admitted that most rituals were performative and meant solely to extract money. “Though he comes from a family of traditional astrologers, he used that background to lend legitimacy to his scam,” said Banthia.

The police have frozen the bank account used to receive the payments. Further investigation is underway to identify other victims connected to the racket.

Delhi