In a startling case of online deception, a 20-year-old man from Rajasthan has been apprehended for impersonating a ‘tantrik’ (occultist) and defrauding more than 50 people across the country. The accused, identified as Rahul from Jhunjhunu, reportedly leveraged Artificial Intelligence to create convincing fake images and videos, projecting an aura of supernatural powers to lure vulnerable individuals.
Rahul allegedly operated multiple fake social media profiles and a fraudulent website under the alias ‘AGHORI_JI_RAJASTHAN’. Through these platforms, he presented himself as a spiritual healer capable of resolving personal issues, family disputes, and even offering services like ‘boyfriend control’ and ‘love marriage solutions’, all through occult practices and black magic. He used paid advertisements to boost the visibility of his deceptive content.
AI Used to Fabricate Supernatural Evidence
Authorities revealed that Rahul employed AI tools to generate eerie images of ghostly figures and staged fake rituals. These fabricated visuals were then disseminated across his social media and website to lend an air of authenticity to his fraudulent claims. This tactic was designed to prey on the fears and insecurities of emotionally vulnerable individuals seeking help.
Exploiting Fear with Black Magic Scams
Once potential victims reached out, Rahul would reportedly manipulate them over phone calls, often instilling fear by suggesting their homes were haunted or that they were under the influence of black magic. After convincing them of the need for his services, he would demand payment via online transfers. Upon receiving the money, he would typically block the victims and delete their chat history, leaving them defrauded and distressed.
Case Uncovered by Delhi Woman’s Complaint
The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal by a Delhi-based woman who had lost ₹1.14 lakh to the online scammer. She reported that the man had promised to remove evil spirits from her home and used fabricated images to scare her into making payments.
Following a thorough investigation, law enforcement traced the financial transactions to several bank accounts linked to Rahul. His mobile number associated with the social media accounts also provided crucial leads. Despite attempting to evade capture by frequently changing his location, Rahul was eventually apprehended in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
During interrogation, Rahul confessed to his elaborate scheme, admitting to operating the fraudulent operation for several months and targeting over 50 individuals. Police have seized multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, debit cards, and cheque books used in the commission of the crime. Authorities are currently examining his digital footprint to identify any potential accomplices and locate further victims.