14 arrested in Sambhal for exploiting women through ‘Dhan Varsha’ tantric scam

Sambhal: Sambhal police have arrested 14 men involved in a widespread human trafficking and sexual exploitation syndicate that operated under the guise of tantric rituals for wealth accumulation. The gang preyed on financially vulnerable families across multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh, luring them into participating in Dhan Varsha Kriya, a so-called occult practice promising financial prosperity.

A shocking revelation

The investigation uncovered horrifying details of how the gang functioned. Young women, often drugged and unaware, were stripped and subjected to sexual exploitation under the pretext of these rituals. Many victims were filmed holding placards displaying their personal details, including name, age, height, weight, body measurements, and even their last menstrual cycle date. Police sources revealed that this information was allegedly used in the selection process for the rituals. The gang referred to these victims using coded language, calling them “articles,” “objects,” or “tomatoes.”

Authorities found hundreds of videos and images of victims on the suspects’ mobile phones, along with ritual materials and sacrificed wildlife, including owls and turtles. According to Additional SP Anukriti Sharma, many of the rituals were performed as part of a well-organised criminal network that promised sudden wealth to those willing to partake in their practices.

How the gang operated

Led by self-proclaimed “gurus,” the gang targeted desperate families struggling with financial hardship. They convinced them that performing Dhan Varsha Kriya would bring boxes of cash appearing miraculously. These families, many of whom lacked formal education and resources, agreed to have their daughters participate in the rituals, believing in the promise of prosperity.

Among those arrested are individuals from various professional backgrounds, including Raghubir Singh, a railway station master in Agra, and others from Agra, Etah, and Firozabad. The suspects include astrologers, shop owners, and medical professionals, highlighting how deeply entrenched the network was in society.

The police also suspect that the gang was recruiting young men for human sacrifice. This possibility came to light after Raj Pal, a youth from the Dhanari area, filed a complaint stating he had been kidnapped and tied up for such a ritual. His escape led to the investigation that eventually exposed the entire operation.

A web of deception and greed

Investigators believe the scam was driven by greed and blind faith. The gang charged participants a minimum of ₹20,000 for each ritual, promising miraculous financial gains. Social media played a key role in their recruitment, with victims and potential clients being targeted online.

One of the victims’ fathers from Etah district admitted to participating in the ritual three times with his 20-year-old daughter, hoping for wealth. “We have performed the ritual multiple times, but the promised money has never come,” he said. His daughter later recounted her ordeal, explaining that she was given a drugged offering and lost consciousness, only to wake up with no memory of what had happened.

Legal action and ongoing investigation

The accused have been charged under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including wrongful restraint, kidnapping with intent to murder, organised crime, and human trafficking. They are also facing charges under the IT Act and the Wildlife Protection Act, given the discovery of animal sacrifices during the investigation.

SP Sambhal, K K Bishnoi, stated that this case is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Authorities are now investigating how many more victims remain unaccounted for and whether the gang has connections beyond Uttar Pradesh. With an extensive probe underway, the police are working to track more victims, expose hidden networks, and ensure justice for those exploited.

(With inputs from TOI and ANI.)