Couple arrested in Adilabad for extorting ₹81,600 by exploiting man’s superstitious beliefs

A Maharashtra-based couple, Salim Syed, 40, and his wife Syed Shama, 46, were arrested in Adilabad for allegedly extorting ₹81,600 from a man by exploiting his superstitious beliefs. The accused, residents of Peth Bhag village in Sangli district of Maharashtra, allegedly approached the victim for 'puja material' and performed 'rituals' at his house, promising to 'ward off' trouble from his family.

They later demanded an additional ₹1.32 lakh, claiming that 'additional pujas' were necessary to avert a potential threat to a family member allegedly due to 'black magic'. The victim, realizing he was being duped, reported the matter to the police, resulting in the arrest of the couple under investigation.