Four self-styled godmen extort man on pretext of rituals in Hyderabad; held

Four self-styled godmen were arrested on Wednesday in Hyderabad for extracting valuables from a man on the pretext of performing certain rituals.

The accused, E Vasu, T Sathakoti, K Babu Srinu, and V Pullayya are all astrologers hailing from West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, reside in Hyderabad.

The group of astrologers told the man regarding a threat to the lives of his wife and children, hence asked him to perform certain rituals for their well being.

The victim, a 48-year-old man gave them Rs. 1.10 lakh through cheque and also gave them gold bars weighing a total 500 grams and 1 kg silver, which have been recovered by the police.

The man lodged a complaint with the police when the accused once again called him saying there was a threat to his life.