Cyberabad police recently cracked down on a bizarre yet elaborate scam, arresting four individuals involved in a “cash barish” (money rain) ritual fraud. This deceptive scheme targeted unsuspecting victims, promising them unimaginable wealth through miraculous money multiplication.
The incident, which took place on October 18 at Gandimaisamma X Road, Mahaveer Complex, came to light three days later. After receiving a complaint, specialized teams from the crime unit and CCS, Medchal, launched an intensive investigation. Their efforts culminated on the evening of October 26, when they successfully apprehended Mohammad Irfan (44), Gugoloth Ravindhar (40), Kavira Sai Baba (41), and Thakur Manohar Singh (39) in Gandimaisamma.
Medchal ACP Shankar Reddy detailed the gang’s cunning strategy: they would lure victims into a fake “Barish Pooja,” convincing them that if a specific amount of cash was placed during the ritual, it would miraculously multiply. During the supposed sacred ceremony, the fraudsters would offer the victims sweets and badam milk secretly laced with intoxicants. As the victims lost consciousness, the gang would swiftly abscond with their money, leaving them bewildered and robbed.
The alleged mastermind behind this elaborate con, Abdul Kayyoom, who posed as a “guru” and hails from Uttar Pradesh, is currently still at large.
Further investigation revealed Mohammad Irfan was caught with ₹8.5 lakh in cash, alongside a country-made weapon and a knife, leading to additional charges under the Arms Act. Irfan is not new to the criminal world, with previous cases registered against him in Uppal and Nizamabad, highlighting the gang’s history of illicit activities.