A man from the Budbudke community, traditionally associated with begging and fortune-telling, allegedly stole a woman’s mangalsutra at Kadiluvagilu village near Bharathinagar in Maddur taluk, Mandya district. The incident occurred when the man, who had visited the home of Nanjamma seeking alms, convinced her to perform a ritual meant to determine her son’s marriage prospects.
Fortune-telling request ends in deception
According to the police, the accused arrived at Nanjamma’s house asking for alms. During the interaction, Nanjamma requested him to read her fortune, particularly regarding her son’s marriage. The man reportedly told her that her son’s Kankana Bhagya (marriage fortune) would align only after she performed a specific ritual.
He instructed her to place her mangalsutra in an earthen pot, claiming it was necessary for the ritual’s success. Trusting his words, Nanjamma placed her wedding chain inside the pot and began arranging the puja setup.
Mangalsutra stolen while victim steps away
As the pot was near the accused, Nanjamma briefly stepped into the kitchen to collect additional puja materials. Seizing the opportunity, the man allegedly removed the mangalsutra from the pot and fled from the house.
On returning, Nanjamma realised her ornament was missing. She immediately informed her son about the deception. The two then approached the KM Doddi Police Station in Bharathinagar and filed a complaint.
Police investigation under way
Police have begun tracing the accused based on the description provided by the mother and son. Officers stated that incidents involving fraud under the guise of fortune-telling occasionally surface in rural belts and emphasised the need for vigilance when interacting with unfamiliar individuals.
The case has raised concerns in the local community, with residents urging the authorities to conduct awareness programmes on preventing such deceptive practices, particularly among vulnerable households.