Bengaluru Police have arrested 10 individuals involved in a sham “money rain” ritual scam that duped unsuspecting victims by promising miraculous multiplication of wealth through rituals using demonetised Rs 2,000 notes.
The police seized Rs 18 lakh in demonetised currency notes whose serial numbers and printed details were tampered with to appear genuine for fraudulent resubmission to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The case came to light following a complaint by RBI officials on October 17, 2025, regarding altered demonetised Rs 2,000 notes being deposited at the bank. One female accused remains at large, while police continue investigating further victims and evaluating the scam’s full extent.
Scam Modus Operandi and Police Action
The accused convinced victims, some of whom reportedly paid up to Rs 4 lakh, that participating in a ritual known as “money rain” would cause their notes, specifically demonetised Rs 2,000 notes excluding particular series printed in 2018 labelled “O”, “OO”, “OP”, and “OU”, to multiply a hundredfold. This belief was purportedly supported by staged pujas and ceremonies.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh explained that the gang altered serial numbers, series codes, and printed year details on genuine withdrawn notes, enabling them to trick victims and then deposit the tampered notes at the RBI for financial gain.
The arrests spanned several days starting with the first accused apprehended at Cubbonpet on October 24, who had deposited Rs 40,000 in altered notes at the RBI for a commission. Investigations quickly expanded, leading to further arrests near Mysore Bank Circle, Majestic Bus Stand, and Yeshwanthpur, where the mastermind was located along with the equipment used for note tampering.
Background and Wider Investigation
This fraud operation had been ongoing for several months, exploiting people’s faith and the desire for quick wealth during volatile economic times. The scam was sophisticated, involving multiple stages—supplying demonetised notes, altering their identifiable features, and convincing people to take part in rituals promising overnight prosperity.
Beyond Bengaluru, some accused and victims were traced to Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the scam’s cross-state reach. Police continue to search for the absconding woman who is believed to play a key role in orchestrating the fraud. Authorities warn the public about such schemes, reaffirming that demonetised notes no longer hold monetary value and cautioning against participation in unverified rituals promising miraculous returns.
How to Stay Safe from Money Ritual and Similar Scams
Scams promising miraculous wealth multiplication, such as the Bengaluru “money rain” ritual fraud, prey on hope, trust, and sometimes religious faith. Staying safe requires vigilance and practical steps: first, be sceptical of any scheme promising guaranteed or exponential returns, especially those involving rituals or supernatural claims.
Always verify the legitimacy of the entities or individuals involved, check for police reports, official registrations, and warnings from financial authorities like the Reserve Bank of India. Avoid participating in any money-related ritual or transaction based on word-of-mouth or social media promotions without thorough research.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This disturbing case exposes the dark intersection of superstition, economic vulnerability, and organised fraud. It underscores the urgent need for spreading financial literacy and rational thinking to protect citizens from schemes that prey on hope and desperation.
The Logical Indian strongly condemns exploitation masquerading as spiritual or miraculous promise and advocates for compassionate yet informed communities that reject deceit. While law enforcement’s swift action offers relief, the root causes, poverty, misinformation, and blind faith, must be addressed collectively.
