Pune: Two Impostors Disguised as Sadhus Swindle Elderly Woman of Gold and Cash Worth Rs 70,000

Pune, 26th August 2024: A 65-year-old woman from Narayangaon fell victim to two conmen posing as sadhus who swindled her out of her gold chain and Rs 70,000 in cash. The incident took place on Thursday, with the woman lodging a complaint at the Narayangaon police station (Pune rural police) the following day.

The two men approached the woman at her bungalow around 8:30 a.m., offering to help her overcome her difficulties. “The suspects engaged her in conversation, claiming they could rid her of her troubles,” a Pune Rural police officer reported.

As part of their deception, the men used various items from their bag, including a rose, a lemon, and a rudraksh. “One of the men blew some powder into her face, which caused her to lose her senses and follow their commands,” the officer added. The conmen then coerced the woman into handing over Rs 3,000 in cash and her gold chain.

Pretending to conduct a ‘puja,’ the men wrapped the money and jewelry in paper and instructed the woman to place it in front of her home altar. However, after they left, the woman became suspicious and quickly realized that both the cash and the gold chain were gone.