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.