Pune: Housewife Defrauded of Rs 3.9 Lakh in Alleged ‘Aghori’ Black Magic Scam; Nashik-Based Tantrik Couple Booked
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Lohgaon, 2nd June 2026: In a disturbing case of alleged financial exploitation and psychological manipulation in the name of superstition, Pune City Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a Nashik-based self-styled tantrik couple.
The accused allegedly cheated a 53-year-old housewife of ₹3.9 lakh through purported “aghori” rituals, black magic practices, and a series of deceptive ceremonies conducted across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
The FIR was registered on June 1, 2026, at Lohegaon Police Station following the intervention of the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS), an organisation working against superstitious practices.
Case Registered Under IPC and Anti-Black Magic Act
The case has been registered for offences allegedly committed between December 7, 2023, and June 12, 2024, under the following provisions:
* Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property)
* Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention)
* Section 3(2) of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013
Complainant and Accused
The complainant, Ratna Ashok Wagh-Patil (53), is a resident of Lohgaon. She lives with her husband Ashok Wagh, a retired railway gangman currently working as a security watchman, and their son Vikas Wagh, a water purifier repair technician.
The accused have been identified as:
* Kamlesh Shivkumar Adhikari
* Gauri Kamlesh Adhikari
Both are residents of Gokuldham, Pathardi Phata, Nashik.
The FIR also mentions Kamlesh’s brother, Subhash Adhikari, who allegedly acted as their driver and resides in Satnagar, Lohgaon.
How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded
YouTube Contact Leads to Alleged Deception
According to the complaint, Ratna and her son Vikas were searching YouTube for remedies to her prolonged physical and mental health issues in December 2023. During their search, they came across videos allegedly uploaded by the accused, claiming to cure chronic ailments through tantrik and aghori practices.
Vikas contacted the number provided on the channel. Kamlesh Adhikari allegedly claimed he could diagnose the problem remotely and told the family that Ratna was suffering from “Karani Badha” and “Bhoot Badha”, asserting that their home was under the influence of black magic and evil spirits.
Alleged Rituals and Financial Demands
After an initial meeting in Bhekarai Nagar, Hadapsar, the accused allegedly visited the family’s residence in Lohgaon. According to the complaint, ritual items including lemons pierced with pins, turmeric, kumkum, grains and wooden sticks were arranged inside the house.
The complainant alleged that a mixture containing holy ash and a white powder was added to water and given to her to drink, after which she felt dizzy and disoriented. Similar water was allegedly given to her husband and son. The accused then conducted rituals that reportedly continued until 2 am.
The following day, the couple allegedly demanded ₹65,000 for the ritual. Unable to arrange the amount, Vikas reportedly obtained a gold loan of ₹1.35 lakh by pledging family jewellery. The amount was allegedly handed over in cash to the accused.
The complaint further states that the family was threatened with dire consequences, including claims that family members could die or suffer mental illness if the rituals were not completed.
Trips to Ujjain and Alleged Aghori Rituals
A few days later, the accused allegedly convinced the family that additional rituals were required at a crematorium in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, to eliminate the supposed curse.
According to the FIR, the family financed the travel, accommodation and other expenses of the accused and their associates during an eight-day stay in Ujjain.
The complainant alleged that midnight rituals were conducted at a crematorium over the ashes of cremated bodies and that ₹60,000 was collected for these ceremonies.
‘Shiva-Parvati Wedding’ Ceremony
During Mahashivratri in March 2024, Ratna was allegedly called to Ujjain again. The accused reportedly declared themselves earthly incarnations of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and organised a ceremonial wedding for themselves.
According to the complaint, attendees were instructed to participate in religious rituals and make financial offerings. Ratna allegedly paid ₹50,000 in cash and handed over ornaments and clothing worth approximately ₹25,000.
Further Payments in Nashik and Kolkata
The FIR states that the family later travelled to Nashik, where Vikas allegedly paid ₹30,000 for a spiritual initiation ceremony.
In June 2024, the accused allegedly claimed that a final ritual was necessary in Kolkata. Ratna and Vikas travelled there and reportedly paid ₹50,000 online and another ₹10,000 in cash.
Police Investigation Underway
After spending approximately ₹3.9 lakh, the family realised that Ratna’s condition had not improved and began suspecting that they had been deceived.
The matter gained momentum after the complainant allegedly came across investigative reports on YouTube involving similar allegations against the accused. She subsequently connected with other alleged victims and approached authorities.
The family initially contacted police in Nashik before being directed to Pune, where the alleged offences had first occurred.
With assistance from Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) state executive members Nandini Jadhav and Milind Deshmukh, the complainant approached Pune City Police.
The FIR was formally registered at Lohgaon Police Station under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Manisha Patil. Further investigation is underway.
