Thane businessman duped of ₹56 lakh by self-styled healer, aide for herbal treatment

A businessman from Thane, Maharashtra, has been allegedly defrauded of ₹56.2 lakh by an individual claiming to be a "healer" and his accomplice. The duo reportedly promised to provide herbal treatment for the victim's undisclosed ailments.

According to police, the accused supplied medicines to the 75-year-old victim via courier starting in November of the previous year. Despite consuming the medicines, the victim reported no improvement in his health. The situation escalated when the accused allegedly summoned the victim to Gaimukh Chowpatty on Ghodbunder Road.

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The accused then claimed that the cost of the treatment was ₹56 lakh and allegedly threatened the victim with dire consequences if he failed to pay.

There, the victim was reportedly coerced into consuming a mixture of herbal substances. Following this, the accused demanded ₹56 lakh for the treatment. They allegedly threatened the victim with severe consequences if he failed to pay, including sending people to his residence and circulating photographs of him during his illness to damage his reputation.

Fearing these threats, the victim complied, paying ₹20,000 in cash and transferring the remaining amount in installments, totaling ₹56.2 lakh. However, the accused continued to demand more money. Based on the victim's complaint, the Kasarvadavali police have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including extortion and cheating.

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They also warned him that people would be sent to his residence to recover the money and photographs taken during his illness would be circulated online to defame him.