In Mumbai, Cybercrime is increasing rapidly. A 25-year-old software engineer lost Rs 12.21 lakh for sharing his personal life issues with an astrologer on an online app. The Western Cyber Police filed a case against the accused on March 24.
The victim, V.K. Ramekbal, 25, lives in Bandra East and works as a software engineer at BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex), according to the FIR. He downloaded the 'Divine Talk' app in January 2023 out of curiosity and periodically checked it to read about his destiny. He relied increasingly on the app in August 2024 as a result of problems with his personal life, employment, and instability.
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'Nishant' was the astrologer Ramekbal contacted via the app in January 2025. Nishant asserted that for just Rs 6,300, which could be paid by UPI, all of his issues could be resolved through specific puja procedures.
Following payment, Ramekbal was told that 'Bade Maharaj' would talk to him to work out his issues. To finish the tantric rituals, he was then required to pay Rs 15,300. When Ramekbal asked why he was being charged again, he was informed that these charges were to be paid for the ceremonies and that his earlier payment had merely been a consulting fee. He accepted and sent the money through UPI.
Soon after that, an additional Rs 28,000 was required for the procedure's following phase. Ramekbal asked for pictures of the ceremonies, but also sent money. Around 11:00 PM that evening, Bade Maharaj called once more, stating that the puja was not finished and requesting an additional Rs. 20,000. Ramekbal reluctantly transferred the money. When Ramekbal voiced his hesitation to carry out the rituals, Bade Maharaj threatened him and said if the rites were not performed now, his life would be in danger. Ramekbal transferred an additional Rs 20,000 out of fear.
When his money ran out, the scammers urged him to use his credit card via a URL they had provided. The demands for money persisted. He used his credit card to transfer around Rs 9.80 lakh in total.
The demands continued after this. Ramekbal was informed by Bade Maharaj that if the puja was not finished, three sadhus could die, and he would also die. After trying to borrow money from his friends out of fear, Ramekbal realised he was being duped. Ramekbal spoke with Noori Pandey, a woman who offered to assist him in completing the rituals and providing three meditation sessions, after he reached out to the app's customer support. But she turned down his request for a refund. Ramekbal found out that several other people had been conned similarly after looking through Google reviews of the application. He had already lost Rs 12.21 lakh by that point.
In the end, he went to the police and complained. In accordance with certain provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Cyber Police have filed a complaint.