New Delhi : In a major crackdown on online fraud and cyber-enabled deception, Indian police have uncovered a sophisticated cyber fraud racket in which two young men allegedly posed as spiritual healers and duped emotionally vulnerable people across the country through fake rituals, tantric remedies and fabricated social media identities.
The accused allegedly used fake female profiles on social media platforms to gain the trust of victims before manipulating them into paying large amounts of money for so-called spiritual solutions to personal and family problems.
Police said the racket operated under the banner “All Problems Solutions” and targeted hundreds of emotionally distressed individuals seeking help for issues related to love, marriage, relationships and family disputes.
Two Accused Arrested From Mohali
The arrested accused have been identified as Ganesh and Mandeep Singh, both aged 21 years.
According to police officials:
- Ganesh is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree through distance education,
- while Mandeep Singh is an ITI-trained diesel engine mechanic and also a graduate.
Investigators said both accused are residents of Sri Ganganagar district in Rajasthan.
Police arrested the duo from a rented apartment in the Kharar area of Mohali after tracing their online activities and financial transactions.
Fake Spiritual Healing Network Operated Online
According to investigators, the accused created an elaborate online network designed to exploit emotionally vulnerable individuals.
Using fake identities and fabricated stories, the duo allegedly projected themselves as:
- spiritual healers,
- tantrik experts,
- relationship problem solvers,
- and astrology-based consultants.
Police said the fraudsters manipulated victims psychologically by claiming they could solve:
- failed relationships,
- marital disputes,
- family tensions,
- financial troubles,
- and emotional distress
through special rituals, poojas and tantra-based remedies.
Officials stated that victims were often emotionally distressed and therefore more susceptible to manipulation and false promises.
Fake Female Profiles Used To Gain Trust
During the investigation, police discovered that the accused had created multiple fake female profiles across various social media platforms.
The profiles reportedly used names such as:
- “Zaynab Khan,”
- “Muskan Khan,”
- “Kavita Chaudhary,”
- “Zara Khan,”
- and “Islam Wzifa.”
Police said these fake accounts were carefully designed to appear genuine and trustworthy.
The profiles allegedly posted:
- fake testimonials,
- fabricated success stories,
- and misleading comments
claiming that spiritual healers had successfully resolved serious personal problems.
A senior police officer said the accused used these posts to create an illusion of credibility and attract emotionally troubled individuals searching for help online.
Victims Manipulated Into Paying Money
Investigators said victims who contacted these profiles were later connected to phone numbers operated directly by the accused.
The fraudsters allegedly pretended to be spiritual guides and convinced victims that expensive rituals and tantric procedures were necessary to remove obstacles from their lives.
Police said victims were asked to transfer money for:
- pooja materials,
- tantra vidya rituals,
- spiritual cleansing,
- and customized ceremonies.
One complainant reportedly transferred ₹2.51 lakh to the accused through six separate transactions after being emotionally manipulated and assured that his personal problems would be resolved.
Investigators believe there may be many more victims across the country who were similarly cheated.
Technical Investigation Led Police To Accused
Police launched a detailed cyber investigation after receiving complaints regarding suspicious online spiritual healing activities.
Investigators used:
- technical analysis of phone numbers,
- IP tracking,
- login session records,
- social media account tracing,
- and banking transaction analysis
to identify the accused and trace their operations to Mohali.
Officials said the cyber trail clearly linked the accused to the fake accounts and fraudulent transactions.
Smartphones Seized During Raids
During the arrest operation, police recovered five smartphones allegedly used in carrying out the fraud activities.
According to investigators, the devices contained:
- incriminating chats,
- payment QR codes,
- fake account details,
- digital transaction records,
- and other important evidence.
Police officials said the seized phones revealed interactions with more than 2,000 individuals from different parts of India.
Investigators are now examining whether additional people were involved in operating the network or managing financial transactions.
Online Spiritual Fraud Becoming Major Concern
Cybercrime experts say cases involving fake spiritual healers and online occult fraud are increasing rapidly across India.
Fraudsters often exploit:
- emotional stress,
- relationship problems,
- loneliness,
- family disputes,
- and financial difficulties
to manipulate victims into believing supernatural solutions exist for their problems.
Experts warn that such scams combine:
- psychological manipulation,
- fake social proof,
- social media marketing,
- and digital payment systems
to create highly convincing fraud operations.
Many victims reportedly avoid filing complaints due to embarrassment or fear of social stigma.
Police Issue Public Advisory
Following the arrests, police urged citizens to remain cautious while interacting with unknown individuals claiming to provide spiritual or supernatural solutions online.
Authorities advised people:
- not to trust unverified social media profiles,
- avoid sending money to unknown individuals,
- and verify identities before engaging in any paid online service.
Police also warned that fraudsters frequently use:
- fake testimonials,
- edited screenshots,
- manipulated videos,
- and fabricated customer reviews
to create false credibility.
Citizens were encouraged to immediately report suspicious online activities through the national cybercrime helpline or local police stations.
Cyber Fraud Networks Using Social Media More Aggressively
Investigators noted that social media platforms have increasingly become tools for organized cybercrime operations.
Fraudsters are now using:
- fake influencer accounts,
- emotional targeting,
- AI-generated images,
- and anonymous payment systems
to deceive victims on a large scale.
Police said the present case demonstrates how cybercriminals are adapting traditional fraud methods into sophisticated online operations capable of targeting people nationwide.
Further Investigation Underway
Police confirmed that further investigation is ongoing to:
- identify additional victims,
- trace money trails,
- uncover possible associates,
- and determine whether the accused were connected to larger cyber fraud syndicates.
Authorities are also examining whether similar fake profiles remain active online and whether more arrests could follow.
Officials emphasized that cyber awareness and public vigilance remain the strongest defense against such emotionally manipulative online scams.
The case serves as another warning about the dangers of blindly trusting unknown social media profiles and highlights the growing challenge law enforcement agencies face in combating digital fraud networks operating across multiple states in India.
