Thane: A shocking case of defraudment has come forward where Thane police has arrested a self-styled godman, Sushilkumar Patidas alias Ayodhyaprasad Giri, who allegedly cheated a family out of ₹2.7 lakh in cash and gold jewellery by promising to remove "evil spirits." A 45-year-old woman from Kashigaon filed a complaint on July 1, 2025.
The accused had moved into a nearby house in April and befriended the family, claiming he could help cure her husband and brother's drinking habits, cleanse their home, and reveal hidden treasure. He convinced the victim that her husband was possessed and that he needed to perform elaborate rituals costing ₹5 lakh to save him.
On May 14, the accused conducted a pooja at his residence, where the victim provided ₹2.7 lakh in cash and 84 grams of gold jewellery, gathered from family and relatives. He assured her that this offering would be locked in a box for 45 days before returning it. When the victim grew suspicious and checked the box later, she found it empty.
Following her complaint, police initiated an investigation and arrested him in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai. He faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other practices act. During interrogation, it was revealed that he frequently moved between Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, committing similar frauds. Police also seized ₹94,000 in cash and 12 grams of jewellery from him.
Similar Case:
Police have filed a criminal case against a self-proclaimed Godman for allegedly swindling a Kalyan family out of lakhs of rupees by claiming to perform black magic to cure a mental disability. The complainant, a 29-year-old housewife, reported that her husband's elder brother had suffered from mental disability for 15 years without improvement. A neighbor recommended baba Aseef Hingora for treatment, leading the family to consult him for help. The police are investigating the matter further.
