Thrissur Rural: Thrissur Rural SP has arrested Rafi (51), a resident of Chirayat, Cherp Kodanur, in connection with a case of extorting lakhs of rupees by claiming to dispel enemy curses through witchcraft. The arrest was made by Inspector Anish Karim under the leadership of KG Suresh, according to Iringalakuda DYSP Navneet Sharma. Rafi is accused of defrauding around Rs.3.5 lakh from a resident of Iringalakuda alone.
Rafi targeted individuals suffering from illnesses, convincing them that their ailments were caused by evil forces affecting their homes and properties. Without the owners’ knowledge, he would secretly bury idols and snakes on their plots and later “discover” them using his supposed divine abilities, making his victims believe that enemies had planted these objects.
He orchestrated these scams by preparing beads, frankincense, and distilled water, reciting Bible verses, and conducting special prayers, claiming that such rituals would prevent business failures or fatal diseases. In one instance, he claimed there were evil objects (“ales”) buried at the home of a friend of an expatriate. Rafi and his team dug up six ales from the backyard. However, CCTV footage later revealed his assistant hiding cash taken from the site.
Following a complaint, the police registered a case and arrested Rafi, who confessed to his fraudulent practices during questioning. DYSP Navneet Sharma suspects that similar scams may have been carried out in other locations. Rafi has been produced before the court. The investigation team included Inspector Anish Karim, SI CM Cletus, Sr. CPO Sudhakaran, NL Jebin, ES Jeevan, Rahul Ampadan, Soni Xavier, CPO KS Umesh, and Cyber Cell CPO Sanoop.
