Amzed

The Ballari police have busted an inter-state racket allegedly operated by a fake godman who lured young women from economically weaker families with promises of earning crores of rupees through a so-called “special Lakshmi Puja”, only to sexually exploit them and push them into prostitution. Police have arrested 11 people in connection with the case and rescued four young women who were at risk of exploitation. The main accused, posing as a swami, is absconding, and a search operation has been launched to trace him. According to investigators, the gang specifically targeted unmarried women from poor families. The agents allegedly imposed bizarre selection criteria, insisting that the women should be unmarried, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, fair-complexioned and beautiful, with no visible marks on their bodies. The gang reportedly collected photographs of the women's right hands and right legs, along with their personal details, before arranging meetings with the fake swami. Investigators said the accused, dressed in saffron robes and smeared with sacred ash, would stage elaborate rituals in a small room of an old house. A photograph of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, along with a camphor lamp, formed part of the setting. Behind the fake swami was reportedly a network of agents responsible for identifying vulnerable women and bringing them into the racket. The women were allegedly promised enormous wealth through the special puja. They were told that the money generated would be divided into three equal shares — one for the woman, one for the agent who introduced her, and one for the swami. Once the women fell for the promise, they were allegedly sexually exploited under the pretext of performing the ritual and subsequently forced into prostitution. Acting on credible information, Ballari Superintendent of Police Dr. Suman D. Pennekar led a special operation to expose the racket and catch the accused. Women police personnel from the department's 'Akka Pade' disguised themselves as economically disadvantaged women and infiltrated the network. The team conducted a covert operation for nearly two months, gathering crucial information and evidence about the gang's activities and methods of operation. Following the operation, police arrested 11 accused and rescued four young women from the network. The investigation has revealed that the network was not restricted to Ballari. Its operations allegedly extended to Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru and Anantapur district in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Police are now investigating whether more women were targeted or exploited through the racket. The main accused, the fake swami, remains absconding, and efforts are underway to apprehend him. Police have cautioned the public against falling prey to self-styled godmen, sorcerers and individuals promising overnight wealth through special rituals or supernatural powers. They have urged people to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities, warning that such fraudulent schemes can destroy the lives of vulnerable women and their families.