ATTINGAL: A shocking case of deception has come to light where a woman, identified as PR Ramya, allegedly cheated five people of Rs 2 lakh and 10 sovereigns of gold under the guise of black magic.

The victims, including Shantha, Nani, Leela, Omana, and Babu, filed a complaint with the Pallikkal police, stating that Ramya claimed to be a witch and promised to ward off evil spirits threatening their homes.

Ramya's deceit began when she requested to stay in Shantha's house for a few days. Posing as a witch, she deceived them into believing their homes were under threat from evil spirits. Ramya offered fake black magic rituals to protect them, demanding payment. Those who did not have enough money for the witchcraft, sold their livestock to gather funds. Ramya took the money from them. In the meantime, the accused took three and a half sovereigns of gold from Omana and jewellery (rings and bangles) from others for a week, claiming she needed them as collateral.

Ramya then asked the five persons to go to the Attinkara Church in Tamil Nadu for the ritual. However, as the ritual did not take place, the five-member group returned home. Upon arrival, they tried contacting Ramya but her phone was not reachable. Later, they found that Omana's gold chain was sold at a jewellery store near Kilimanoor. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to find Ramya.