‘Astrologer’ held for duping two women of over Rs 1 crore

Accused Nilkanth Karandikar

The Malad police have arrested a 57-year-old self-professed numerologist and astrologer for allegedly duping two women of over Rs 1 crore on the promise of handsome returns. Ram Nilkanth Karandikar was on the run since January.

The police said Malad resident Karandikar's father was a well-respected spiritual leader and had thousands of followers. He misused his name to win over the victims.
In December last year, two women approached the police accusing Karandikar of cheating them. One said she had paid him R15 lakh and was assured of 12 per cent annual interest, while the other handed over Rs 50 lakh and 800 gram gold ornaments to the accused. "When the maturity dates of the investments crossed, Karandikar started giving them excuses," said a cop.

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Following the complaints, Karandikar was called to the police station. He promised to return everything in a month. But when the cops tried to reach him in January, his phone was switched off. "His family claimed they had nothing to do with him," said an officer.

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"A team led by assistant inspector Vivek Tambe traced Karandikar to Mulund and arrested him on Wednesday. He was produced in court today and remanded in police custody," said Senior Inspector Dhananjay Ligade.