Police suspect more victims as investigation widens after accused returns from the United States
An NRI priest accused of allegedly cheating devotees out of lakhs of rupees under the guise of conducting special religious rituals has been arrested at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) after returning from the United States.
The accused, identified as Ch. Rama Lacharao, was detained by immigration officials upon his arrival after a Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him by the Bachupally police in Telangana. He was later taken into police custody for further investigation.
According to police, Lacharao allegedly collected large sums of money from several devotees by promising to perform special poojas and rituals to resolve their personal, financial and family-related problems. Investigators claim that when some victims sought refunds, he allegedly threatened them by claiming he could use black magic against them.
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The case came to light after a software professional lodged a complaint with the Bachupally police, accusing the priest of cheating him
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Based on the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation
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As the accused had reportedly travelled to the United States, authorities issued a Look Out Circular to secure his arrest upon his return to India
Police officials said the accused is also suspected of facing cheating-related complaints in the United States, including allegations linked to a temple where he was reportedly associated. Investigators are verifying these claims in coordination with available records.
Authorities believe the number of victims may be significantly higher than initially reported and are examining additional complaints, financial transactions and other evidence. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have appealed to anyone who may have been defrauded to come forward with relevant information.
