Visakhapatnam police have arrested seven individuals, including a self-proclaimed spiritual guru known as Yogendra Baba, for allegedly defrauding four people of ₹28 lakh through deceptive rituals. 

The main accused, Paidipati Venkata Bhargav Raghava, 35, operating under the alias Yogendra Baba, convinced victims they would receive a golden locket through special religious ceremonies. The victims were introduced to the accused two months prior and were persuaded to fund the costly rituals. The suspects rented a house in Anandapuram and buried containers filled with stones, referred to as 'Lanka Bindas,' in a local temple. During ceremonies, victims were led to 'discover' these buried containers. The suspects demanded additional money for further rituals and threatened the victims if they refused. 

The scam was exposed after one victim, Appala Raju, lodged a complaint with the police. Authorities recovered ₹1.75 lakh in cash, mobile phones, a car, brass lockets, gold-plated coins, and sprays from the suspects. 

This incident highlights the need for public awareness regarding fraudulent spiritual practices and the importance of verifying the authenticity of individuals offering such services.