Arasikere: Woman alleges fraud in ritual, gold chain missing

A case of alleged fraud involving a ritual and gold jewellery has been registered at Arasikere Rural Police Station.

Kanthubai, a resident of Halekallanayakanahalli in Arasikere taluk, on Wednesday, filed a complaint with the police alleging that she was defrauded by persons from Harnahalli and Kodimatha villages.

The accused allegedly visited her home on July 15 last year and performed a puja, assuring her that the ritual would relieve her husband of the health issues that he was facing. As part of the ritual, the accused asked her to place various items, including a gold chain weighing 27.2 grams, in a steel box. The accused allegedly instructed her not to open the box for 45 days.

After 45 days, the woman contacted the accused to ask if she could open the box, but she was advised against doing so that day.

Suspecting foul play, she opened the box on March 22 and found the gold chain missing. On contacting the accused, the woman was informed that the gold chain would be returned. Later, the accused claimed that the chain had been pledged at a finance company.

The woman subsequently filed a complaint, alleging that she had been cheated in the name of god. An investigation is under way.