A man was allegedly duped of ₹3 crore by a fraudster who claimed of owing a ‘Kamandalam’ (a holy water pot used by Sadhus), which has supernatural powers and antique value. According to the police, the incident happened in Penamaluru mandal in Krishna district.
The accused identified as Lakshmi Prasad, a native of Vijayawada, befriended the victim from Poranki of Krishna district in 2020. The accused reportedly told the victim that he had a ‘Kamandalam’ at Simhachalam in Visakhapatnam district.
The accused told the victim that he would get around ₹100 crore, if he sold the holy water pot of antique value. Believing the latter’s words, the victim offered him ₹3 crore in instalments, said Gannavaram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ch. Srinivas.
“On knowing that he got deceived, the victim approached the police,” the DSP told The Hindu on Monday (September 15, 2025). The Penamaluru police registered a case on Sunday (September 14, 2025), and took up investigation.
“Lakshmi Prasad had never showed the ‘Kamandalam’ to the victim. Accused took the complainant to different places, reportedly put him under spells of hypnosis and cheated him. We are investigating whether any other accused were involved,” Mr. Srinivas said.
Published – September 15, 2025 10:42 pm IST
