Image: Mint (Business)
A senior income tax officer from Bengaluru has reportedly been swindled out of a staggering ₹31 lakh, including gold and silver ornaments as well as cash. The alleged perpetrator, identified as a roadside astrologer named Shekar, was met by chance during a routine outing.
The victim, V Sathyanarayan, serves as a non-gazetted official in the Income Tax department. His experience, which has drawn significant media attention, is detailed in a complaint lodged with the Bharathinagar police, as reported by News18.
Sathyanarayan first crossed paths with Shekar in December 2025. The fraudulent activities reportedly took place between Christmas 2025 and March 4, 2026, in the vicinity of St John’s Road, near Shree Circle in Bharathinagar. The astrologer set up a roadside stall, offering parrot astrology readings, known locally as gili shastra. He claimed to have the ability to predict a person’s future simply by observing their face.
Intrigued by his claims, Sathyanarayan requested a horoscope reading. Shekar informed him that he was undergoing a challenging phase and proposed a specialized ritual costing ₹50,000. After a week of contemplation, Sathyanarayan agreed to the expense.
Following the first ritual, Sathyanarayan was informed that an even more potent ritual was necessary for his career advancement. Initially hesitant, the officer was persuaded to participate again, especially after expressing concerns about an impending job transfer. The astrologer insisted that Sathyanarayan bring all his gold and silver ornaments for the ritual, promising their safe return afterward.
On February 20, while his family was away, Sathyanarayan surrendered approximately 194 grams of gold—which included a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet—along with about 1.3 kg of silver ornaments to Shekar. He was instructed to return the following day to retrieve his valuables, but the astrologer began making excuses, claiming the ritual was still in progress.
As days passed, Sathyanarayan grew increasingly anxious and attempted to contact Shekar to reclaim his ornaments. However, the astrologer ceased communication and allegedly threatened Sathyanarayan and his family, escalating the situation. In response, Sathyanarayan lodged a formal complaint with the police.
Currently, Shekar is evading authorities, and police efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him. Authorities have registered multiple charges against Shekar, including Criminal Breach of Trust, Cheating (Aggravated), Criminal Intimidation, and Intentional Insult to Provoke Breach of Peace. The most serious charge, under BNS 318(4), carries a potential sentence of up to seven years in prison.
The legal ramifications of Shekar's actions are severe, with multiple charges laid against him: - Criminal Breach of Trust: Penalty of up to 5 years. - Cheating (Aggravated): Maximum 7 years imprisonment. - Criminal Intimidation: Possible sentence of 2 years. - Insult to Provoke Breach of Peace: Also carries a penalty of up to 2 years.
This case has highlighted the vulnerabilities that individuals face when engaging with unverified practitioners and the potential risks of relying on astrology for personal matters.
The incident involving V Sathyanarayan serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of engaging with dubious individuals promising quick solutions to complex life issues. The ongoing investigation into Shekar's whereabouts underscores the importance of vigilance and skepticism in such interactions. As authorities work to bring the accused to justice, the case raises awareness about the need for protective measures against fraud in the realm of astrology and beyond.
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