Two swindlers are on the run after allegedly looting a senior citizen in Charkop of R1.5 lakh after hypnotising him while going around temples to make donations. The thieves had approached the victim on the pretext of getting directions to the temples.

The victim, 68-year-old Michael Demello, a real estate businessman and a Charkop resident, lost two gold rings and a chain worth Rs 1.5 lakh. The incident took place on December 5 at 12.15 pm when Demello was near Charkop bus depot, on his way to meet a friend. A young man, about 25 years of age, called out to him.