Hyderabad: The Meerpet police busted a gang of four for extorting money by posing as babas on Tuesday. The accused identified as Eernala Vasu, Turapati Sathakoti, Kinnera Babu Srinu and Vibhudi Pullayya, were residents of Balapur cross roads.
According to the police, the gang went to Skandagiri temple in Padmarao Nagar, three months back and got acquainted with Bukka Ram Reddy and told that Reddy’s wife and children were not feeling well and would offer prayers. After a week, Sathakoti called Reddy and scared him that someone was performing black magic on his wife and children and their life is under threat. They demanded Rs 1.1 lakh for a puja.
A week later, Srinu called Reddy and repeated the same thing, demanding Rs 4.5 lakh. Reddy initially refused, but gave in when they pressurised and gave a 10 tola gold biscuit. After 10 days, the men called Reddy again and stated that his son’s life was in danger and again demanded Rs 1.1 lakh. He again gave 35 tola gold and 1 kg silver. The police recovered 50 tola gold, 1 kg silver and Rs 1 lakh cash amounting to Rs 16.5 lakh from them.
