A man posing as a “parrot astrologer” has been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly cheating an Income Tax officer of cash and valuables worth over Rs 20 lakh, police said. According to the Bharatinagar Police, the incident began on March 5, 2026, when the officer met the accused near Sri Circle in the Shivajinagar area.
The accused claimed he could predict the future and suggested that certain rituals could help improve the officer's career. Police said the accused initially collected Rs. 50,000 from the officer. He later told the officer that a more elaborate ritual was required and that failing to perform it could affect his career and personal life.
Following this, the officer handed over 194 grams of gold jewellery and 1.3 kilograms of silver items to the accused. The valuables were taken on the assurance that they would be returned after the rituals were completed.
When the officer later asked for the items back, the accused allegedly refused and issued threats. The officer then filed a complaint at the Bharatinagar Police Station.
Police traced the accused and detained him near Cantonment Railway Station on March 12. During interrogation, he admitted to the offence, officials said.
Further investigation revealed that the valuables had been sold at a jewellery shop in Halasuru. Based on this information, police recovered 124 grams of gold and 796 grams of silver items on March 15. The recovered property is estimated to be worth around Rs 20.6 lakh.
The accused was produced before a court on March 13 and remanded to police custody for five days. He was presented again on March 17. Further investigation is ongoing.
Police said efforts are underway to recover the remaining valuables.
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