Tantrik in Virar dupes builder of Rs 45 lakh, arrested

The accused tantrik Sameer Kadri nabbed by Virar police. Pic/Hanif Patel

The Virar police arrested an occultist (tantrik) for allegedly performing black magic and duping a builder of Rs 45 lakh. The incident came to light after the family of the builder, who died last month, found a book that mentioned the tantrik duping the builder of Rs 45 lakh on the pretext of performing pooja for the upcoming projects.

The deceased builder identified as Chandradeeep Swami was a resident of Gopchar Pada at Virar East. The accused tantrik identified as Mohammad Sameer Abdul Shfur alias Sameer Kadri, 41, resided in the same area and shared a good rapport with the builder for many years. The accused had told Swami that a baba aged 500-years, residing in the Himalayas will help perform a pooja that will make his business prosper.

According to the police officers, the tantrik Baba regularly performed pooja at Swami's residence, however, his building projects suffered losses. In September, Swami died due to an ailment. A few days ago, his family found a notebook that mentioned the tantrik duping him.

Mohini Swami, wife of the deceased said, "We found this book a few days ago that mentioned the tantrik and informed Virar police to investigate the matter. The probe by police revealed that my husband was cheated by this accused."

Senior inspector Vinod Wagh of Virar police station said, "We have arrested the accused Sameer Kadri for performing black magic and cheating the deceased. He was produced in court and has been remanded in police custody till January 21."