Bengaluru Police Arrest Fake Parrot Astrologer in ₹31 Lakh IT Officer Scam
Shekar, posing as parrot astrologer, cheated IT officer of gold, silver worth over ₹31 lakh promising career rituals.
A 59-year-old roadside "parrot astrologer" has been arrested by Bengaluru police for allegedly duping a senior Income Tax department officer of gold, silver ornaments, and cash valued at over ₹31 lakh (with some reports citing around ₹35 lakh including initial cash payments) on the pretext of performing special rituals to boost career prospects and personal life.
The accused, identified as Shekar (also referred to as Shekhar Subbu), a native of Periyakulam in Tamil Nadu's Theni district, was apprehended in a special operation after fleeing to his hometown following the fraud. The Bharathi Nagar police registered a cheating case based on a complaint filed on March 5, 2026, by the victim, a 55-year-old administrative officer posted at the Income Tax department's Koramangala office. The officer, who has 33 years of service, first encountered Shekar in December 2025 near Shree Circle on St John's Road in Bharathinagar, where the accused operated as a parrot astrologer using traditional "gili shastra" to read fortunes by observing faces or through parrot interactions.
According to police, Shekar initially convinced the officer that he was facing difficulties and recommended a ritual costing ₹50,000 to improve his situation, which the victim paid. He later escalated claims, promising more powerful ceremonies for promotion, a desired job transfer, and overall prosperity. On February 20, 2026, the officer handed over approximately 194 grams of gold ornaments and 1.3 kg of silver items, valued at over ₹31 lakh, under the assurance they would be returned after the rituals the next day. When the officer followed up, Shekar's phone was switched off, and he disappeared. The total loss included the initial cash and the valuables, prompting the officer to approach authorities.
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The arrest, reported widely on March 16, 2026, highlights a common fraud tactic in urban areas where roadside astrologers exploit superstitions, particularly targeting educated professionals with promises of career advancement. Police described the case as one of confidence trickery, with Shekar absconding briefly before being traced via intelligence leads. The incident has sparked discussions on vulnerability to such scams despite professional backgrounds, amid Bengaluru's bustling street-side occult practices.
This episode underscores ongoing challenges with fraudsters preying on personal aspirations in India's tech and administrative hubs. Authorities have urged caution against unsolicited spiritual advisors demanding valuables for rituals, emphasizing that genuine solutions rarely involve handing over gold or silver. The case remains under investigation, with potential charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal breach of trust.
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