NRI priest nabbed at RGIA over alleged multi-lakh fraud

An NRI priest accused of cheating devotees of lakhs of rupees under the pretext of performing special pujas was arrested by Bachupally police at RGIA after his return from the US. The accused, Ch. Rama Lacharao, allegedly threatened victims with black magic and is suspected to be involved in similar cases abroad.

Hyderabad: An NRI priest accused of cheating several people out of lakhs of rupees under the guise of performing religious rituals was arrested by the Bachupally police after he arrived from the United States at the RGIA on Friday.

The suspect, identified as Ch Rama Lacharao, allegedly collected large sums of money from devotees promising to perform special poojas and resolve their personal and financial problems.

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Police said he also threatened some victims by claiming he could use black magic against them if they demanded their money back.
The case came to light after a software professional lodged a complaint with the Bachupally police, alleging that the priest had cheated him.

Based on the complaint, police booked a case and issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against the suspect after he reportedly fled to the United States.

Officials said the accused is also suspected of being involved in
cheating cases in the US.

According to police, he recently returned to India after reportedly facing legal issues there, including complaints filed by the owner of a temple where he was associated.

Immigration officials detained the suspect at RGIA upon his arrival and handed him over to the Bachupally police.

Police suspect that the number of victims could be much higher and are verifying additional complaints and financial transactions linked to the suspect.