A bizarre theft case involving men dressed as priests has been reported from Sindhanur town in Karnataka’s Raichur district, where a medical shop owner allegedly became disoriented after smelling flowers handed to him by the suspects.
According to police, one of the accused, dressed like a priest, entered the medical shop owned by Vishnudatta and asked for drinking water. The shop owner reportedly offered chilled water and treated the visitor respectfully.
Investigators said the accused then handed over two flowers to Vishnudatta, claiming they would bring prosperity and well-being to him and his children.
Soon after smelling the flowers, the shop owner allegedly began feeling mentally numb and disoriented. Police said that in this confused state, he allegedly handed over Rs 10,500 in cash and a gold ring to the suspects.
Speaking to police, Vishnudatta claimed he suddenly felt unable to think or speak clearly after smelling the flowers.
“When he gave that flower, within seconds I became like this. I don’t know if there was some kind of magic in it. I felt completely blank,” he reportedly told investigators.
The accused allegedly took money from the shop’s cash counter along with the gold ring before fleeing the scene.
Police said the movements of the suspected gang, who were posing as priests, were captured on nearby CCTV cameras. Authorities are currently analysing the footage to identify and trace the accused.
A case has been registered at the Sindhanur police station and further investigation is underway.
The incident has triggered concern among local residents, with police urging shopkeepers and the public to remain cautious of strangers attempting suspicious interactions under religious or spiritual pretexts.