In a major breakthrough, Haryana police on Tuesday arrested self-styled godman 'Candy Baba' alias Rajesh for allegedly duping people of around Rs 100 crore promising to double their assets with black magic. Hailng from Kurukshtera, Candy Baba had established his 'dera' in Punjab after having gained several devotees.
He allegedly cheated his devotees on the pretext of doubling their assets. He used to give candies as magical prasad, hence the name. Having over 30 FIRs against him across the state, Candy Baba had been on the run for the last one year and was arrested from Faridabad on Tuesday. He has been sent to 10-day police remand.
Even Punjab police has also started preparations for seeking production remand as he has equal number of cases against him there.
Speaking to THE WEEK, ACP, Crime, Anil Kumar said that Candy Baba was staying in a hideout in Faridabad during lockdown. He was trying to sneak out when, acting on tip off, the crime branch raided and nabbed him.
“We have taken him on remand and are collecting information on all cases against him. Not just fraud, he is also wanted for trying to trade fake currency and fake gold. We are interrogating him,” said Kumar.
Senior police sources revealed that Candy Baba had his unique ways of fooling people, the most popular being rain of currency. He would get his unsuspecting devotees to cough up money by arranging fake note showers. The victim would be taken to dark room lit with candles and offered a candy following which the rain would start. While it was supposed to be double the amount the devotee gave, most of the time it was even less than half. Many chose to stay quiet owing to dubious credentials of the cash.
Candy Baba also reportedly duped many women followers after promising them gold ornaments at lesser price than market rate.
