Vijayawada: Chatrai police of Eluru district nabbed a man for posing as a swamiji and cheating villagers under the pretence of performing rituals to avert misfortune. The accused, identified as Turapati Balayya (37), hailed from Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana.
The accused, dressed as a Swamiji, travelled across villages in Aswaraopeta, Chintalapudi, Nuzvid, Chatrai, and Sattupalli on a motorcycle, claiming to perform rituals to resolve problems in people’s lives.
Acting on credible information, a team of cops led by Chatrai SI D Ramakrishna intercepted the accused near the Anjaneya Swamy temple on the outskirts of Chatrai village. They recovered 80,000 in cash and a motorcycle from the accused.
On Dec 16, 2024, Balayya had visited Arugolanupeta village and approached a family grieving the recent death of their son-in-law, claiming that black magic was responsible for the tragedy. The accused further alleged that their son faced an impending vehicular accident and demanded 61,000 to perform peace rituals at Vijayawada’s Kanaka Durga temple. After receiving the money, he fled, promising to send the required puja materials during Sankranti.
Around eight months ago, he duped a family in Pothureddypalli village in Nuzvid mandal of 26,400 in a similar way and fled after receiving money from the family.
The accused, dressed as a Swamiji, travelled across villages in Aswaraopeta, Chintalapudi, Nuzvid, Chatrai, and Sattupalli on a motorcycle, claiming to perform rituals to resolve problems in people’s lives.
Acting on credible information, a team of cops led by Chatrai SI D Ramakrishna intercepted the accused near the Anjaneya Swamy temple on the outskirts of Chatrai village. They recovered 80,000 in cash and a motorcycle from the accused.
On Dec 16, 2024, Balayya had visited Arugolanupeta village and approached a family grieving the recent death of their son-in-law, claiming that black magic was responsible for the tragedy. The accused further alleged that their son faced an impending vehicular accident and demanded 61,000 to perform peace rituals at Vijayawada’s Kanaka Durga temple. After receiving the money, he fled, promising to send the required puja materials during Sankranti.
Around eight months ago, he duped a family in Pothureddypalli village in Nuzvid mandal of 26,400 in a similar way and fled after receiving money from the family.
