A Delhi resident fell victim to a sophisticated scam orchestrated by a fake priest near the Akshardham Temple, losing valuables worth approximately Rs 1.8 lakh in broad daylight on a recent visit, highlighting the growing menace of organized frauds targeting devotees at major religious sites. The incident, shared anonymously on Reddit by the affected man under the username u/Acrobatic-Health2681, unfolded during what was meant to be a serene temple outing, underscoring how scammers exploit trust and cultural reverence to perpetrate thefts. Police have registered a complaint and launched an investigation, confirming that such rackets are increasingly prevalent around landmarks like Akshardham, where crowds provide cover for con artists posing as helpful locals or holy figures. The victim, a first-time solo visitor, detailed the ordeal to warn others, emphasizing that perpetrators often appear innocuous and patient rather than overtly suspicious.

The deception began innocuously on a bus en route to the temple, where an elderly man—described as a gentle, conversational "uncle"—struck up a rapport with the victim, offering guidance as a seasoned visitor. Building rapport through small talk, the uncle cautioned against using the temple's official cloakroom, fabricating a story of his own past losses there to sow doubt. He then summoned an accomplice dressed as a pujari (priest), who arrived to perform a ritual tilak on the victim's forehead, reassuring him in Hindi, "Aap bilkul chinta mat kariye, sab safe rahega idhar" (Please don't worry at all, everything will stay safe here). To cement trust, the uncle deposited his own phone and wallet with the fake priest, prompting the victim to hand over his Samsung S24 Ultra smartphone, Ultrawatch smartwatch, belt, shoes, and wallet containing Rs 8,000 cash, two credit cards, a debit card, a PAN card, and a driving license.

Accompanied by the duo, the victim proceeded for darshan, momentarily distracted by the temple's architectural splendor, before the scam unraveled upon exit. The uncle presented a ladoo as a parting gesture and asked the victim to wait nearby while he "deposited some money," only for both he and the pujari to vanish without a trace. Returning to the spot where belongings were left, the victim discovered everything missing, realizing the elaborate trust-building exercise had been a ploy. In his Reddit post, he recounted the emotional sting, stating, "I was made a fool & robbed at Akshardham Temple and lost over 1.8 lakh rupees. "Don't Let This Happen to You," while advising, "Scammers will look suspicious or act shady. But this uncle was very patient, gentle, and convincing. Just slowly and carefully built his trust and manipulated me into believing him."

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Delhi Police, upon receiving the FIR, assured the complainant of a thorough probe, noting the scam's hallmarks—meticulous planning and role-playing—to evade detection in crowded areas. Officers revealed that similar incidents have surged at religious hubs like Vaishno Devi and Tirupati, often involving gangs that recycle stolen cards for quick ATM withdrawals before dumping them. The victim has since blocked his cards and is coordinating with banks for replacements, but the loss of personal documents has compounded his distress amid the festive season's travel rush.

This episode serves as a cautionary tale amid rising temple tourism in India, where over 70% of visitors to sites like Akshardham are out-of-towners vulnerable to such tactics. Authorities have ramped up surveillance with CCTV enhancements and awareness drives, urging devotees to stick to official facilities and report suspicious overtures immediately. As the victim reflected on his naivety, his public disclosure aimed to shield others, reinforcing that vigilance remains the best defense against fraudsters who weaponize familiarity and faith.

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