In a significant crackdown, Visakhapatnam police have arrested seven individuals, including a self-proclaimed spiritual guru known as Yogendra Baba (real name Paidipati Venkata Bhargav Raghava, 35), for allegedly defrauding four victims of Rs28 lakh through a fake ritual scam in Anandapuram mandal.
Circle Inspector Vasu Naidu detailed that the accused convinced victims they would receive a golden locket through special religious ceremonies. The main accused, Yogendra Baba, along with his associates, orchestrated the scam by renting a house and conducting staged rituals involving buried containers filled with stones called ‘Lanka Bindas’ at a local temple.
One victim, Appala Raju of Bantupallivari Kalal, filed a complaint after being introduced to the accused by relatives. Enchanted by the promises, Raju and three friends contributed funds for the expensive ceremonies. The accused repeatedly demanded more money for additional rituals and even threatened victims who refused.
During the raid, police recovered Rs1.75 lakh in cash, mobile phones, a car, brass lockets, gold-plated coins, and sprays from the suspects.
The Visakhapatnam police are continuing investigations as the accused face charges for this elaborate fraud.
