In a shocking case of alleged fraud, a music teacher in Bengaluru has accused an astrologer and his associates of swindling her out of a staggering amount. The victim, Sarvamangala, claims she was duped of nearly Rs 1 crore in cash and 180 grams of gold, all in the name of building a temple.
A Devout Believer's Trust Betrayed
Sarvamangala, a 56-year-old teacher, filed a complaint with the Basaveshwaranagar police, alleging a four-year-long deception. She claimed that Manjunath, the astrologer, had befriended her and gained her trust over the years. But here's where it gets controversial—Manjunath allegedly used her faith against her.
Sarvamangala recounted that Manjunath suggested she build a temple for Goddess Lakshmi, a deity she deeply revered. He even promised to construct the temple in Kapu, Udupi district, and asked for financial backing. To gain her confidence, he introduced her to his associates: Raghavendra, Madhusoodan, and Gopala Krishna, each with seemingly reputable backgrounds.
The Web of Deceit Unravels
Over time, Sarvamangala provided substantial amounts of money, totaling approximately Rs 1 crore. She made cash payments and bank transfers, even selling property to contribute to the temple's construction. But the plot thickens—Manjunath showed her a video call from a temple site in Kapu, claiming it as the construction site. However, when Sarvamangala visited Kapu, she couldn't locate the temple, and her calls went unanswered.
Despite this, Manjunath continued to ask for more funds, this time for the temple tower. Sarvamangala gave him gold ornaments worth 180 grams, but soon after, Manjunath began avoiding her. She tracked him down and demanded her money and gold back, but he failed to repay her.
The police have registered a case of cheating under BNS Section 318 and are investigating. This incident raises questions about the vulnerability of believers and the potential for abuse of trust in spiritual matters. Could this be an isolated incident, or are there more victims out there? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
