In Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, a significant case of fraud emerged, wherein individuals exploited local superstitions to defraud villagers out of millions of rupees. The police were alerted to the situation after Shakeel Ahmed, a resident of Bansakheda, filed a complaint against three individuals who claimed that an invisible power, referred to as 'jinnat', could double the money of those who invested with them.

The investigation revealed that the accused, Sarataj Ali (alias Qadri Baba), Shafiq Ahmed, and Mohammad Arif, had methodically orchestrated this fraud over a year, beginning during a local religious gathering where Sarataj Ali acted as the chief guest. His speeches persuaded villagers to believe in his schemes, leading them to invest their hard-earned money under the false pretense of financial returns through supernatural means.

This case highlights the ongoing influence of superstition in certain sections of society, showcasing how easily individuals can be manipulated. The local police’s intervention resulted in the apprehension of the accused, emphasizing the need for vigilance against such fraudulent activities preying on vulnerable communities.