Jamshedpur Conmen Use Fear Tactic, Flee With Gold Worth Rs 7 Lakh

Jamshedpur: A shocking case of deception rooted in superstition and psychological manipulation surfaced in Telco Colony of Steel City on Friday, where two fraudsters allegedly swindled a woman out of gold ornaments worth nearly  Rs 7 lakh by convincing her that her children were in imminent danger.

The victim, 53-year-old Sangeeta Mahanta, wife of international athlete and Tata Motors employee Lal Mohan Mahanta, was targeted in broad daylight near her residence in the M-46 Block of Telco Colony. 

The incident has once again highlighted the growing menace of confidence tricksters exploiting fear and blind faith to dupe unsuspecting residents.

According to the complaint lodged with Telco police, Sangeeta had stepped out around 9.30 am to purchase vegetables when a stranger approached her, enquiring about a yoga instructor named Anita. Moments later, another man joined the conversation, and the duo gradually engaged her in what appeared to be a casual discussion.

Claiming to be local residents and trusted professionals, one of the men introduced himself as a lawyer living in a nearby apartment. 

After winning her confidence, the pair allegedly began speaking about spiritual forces and impending misfortune before warning that her children were facing a serious threat.

The fraudsters then claimed they could ward off the danger through a special ritual. 

Under their instructions, Sangeeta removed all the gold ornaments she was wearing and placed them in a bag. 

She was subsequently told to fetch four karanj leaves and walk eleven steps ahead without looking back as part of the ritual.

By the time she returned, the two men had disappeared along with the jewellery-filled bag. 

The accused also made away with her mobile phone, cash and house keys before fleeing the spot .

Following the complaint, Telco police launched an investigation and began scanning CCTV footage from nearby roads and residential blocks.

 Preliminary information suggests the suspects were dressed in white shirts and black trousers. 

Police teams are collecting footage from multiple cameras and questioning residents in an effort to establish their identities and movement route.

Investigators suspect the accused may be part of an organised gang that specifically targets women and senior citizens by invoking superstition, black magic or family-related fears. 

Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information or valuables with strangers, regardless of how convincing they may appear.

The incident has sparked concern among residents of the otherwise quiet Telco neighbourhood, with many calling for heightened police patrolling and greater public awareness against such frauds.

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