Hyderabad: Conmen in the city target people who are facing personal crises. Psychologist Dr Pragya Rashmi notes that in the initial stages, no one would approach babas. “If the same thing happens again to a person or his family, he or she loses confidence and the promises held out by these babas give them hope. The victim knows the solution to his problem, but superstitions lead them to babas,” she said.
Babas closely question the victim and work out ‘solutions’ based on the answers, but not with divine power. The babas promise quick solutions but it prolongs for months and years. Both Telugu states lack strong laws on this. The police files cases for cheating and under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
Most babas suggest the ‘Vasheekaran puja’, pujas to remedy the so-called effect of black magic and other simple pujas. They insist on special homas mostly related to Vamacharas which are not acceptable to Hindu priests and peetadipatis. Muslim babas resort to special tantras.
To curb such practices, the Maharashtra government brought out the Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Abhorrent Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013 after the uproar the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar who had drafted the legislation.
Under the law, conman can be punished with six months to seven years of jail and penalised between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000. Both Telugu states lack of such a strong law. The police registers cases for cheating under IPC Section 420 and Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
