‘Godman’ held for duping woman

The police arrested a self-proclaimed godman on Monday for cheating and molesting a woman under the pretext of solving her marital problems.

The police arrested a self-proclaimed godman on Monday for cheating and molesting a woman under the pretext of solving her marital problems.

HT Image

The 26-year-old victim, who is a resident of Mira Road, approached Mohd Nayeem Mohd Rafeeq Malik (26) after reading an advertisement in a newspaper. In the advertisement, Malik claimed to have solution for all problems including marital troubles and a spell against evil spirits.

The police said that as the victim was having frequent quarrels with her husband, she approached Malik on July 29. “She first called on the mobile number mentioned in the advertisement. She was then asked to come to Veena Deena building near Bandra (West) railway station,” said Sub Inspector Nandkumar Gaikwad.

The complainant in her statement told the Bandra police that after taking Rs 83,000 from her, Malik asked her to sacrifice 11 owls.

“She told us that Malik asked her to visit him every morning,” said Gaikwad.

The victim approached the police on Sunday and lodged a complaint after Malik reportedly molested her. “Acting on her complaint, we arrested Malik on the same day,” he said.

Malik has been arrested on charges of molestation and cheating (IPC) along with sections on drugs and magic remedies (objectionable advertisement) Act.

He was produced in the court and has been remanded to police custody till August 6.