Dangerous occult groups surging in Kerala; members include influential personalities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Witchcraft groups luring youngers mostly women are burgeoning their presence in social media. These criminal groups are occult havens of astral projection (the act of separating the soul from the body) and black magic, which frees the soul from the body. Reports also emerge about huge financial fraud taking place behind the veil of such occult gimmicks, but the authorities are yet to take legal action to ban such pages from social media.

Social media groups encourage the bizarre notion of rebirth through suicide! Shockingly, these strange theories have attracted women by large who are mostly participants in the group.

As per findings, after joining the group, it is common for a generally amicable person to turn reclusive, who then suddenly avoids gatherings, and functions and even goes to the extent of quitting their job.

The groups indoctrinate the victim by talking about God and spirituality. Messages of spiritual elevation will fill the inbox. Next will be an invitation to join the group to learn more. Brainwashing will follow by including talks about leaving a soul and then engaging in a comfortable life in another world.

These people who have fallen into the trap will later influence, family members and friends to join the occult group. (These are all information gathered from victims who were saved by the timely intervention of family members).

People will good education and from influential families have also been lured into these groups. After a few rounds of brainwashing, these gangs then morph to their devilish side in financial exploitation.

Although many videos about the afterlife and reincarnation are circulating on modern social media platforms, witchcraft groups are more active on Telegram. This platform was chosen because Telegram, unlike other platforms is highly confidential, and is difficult to monitor.