Gave 'enchanted lemons', collected cash: Nanded's ‘Talwar Baba’ booked under anti-superstition law

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: A man who claimed to be a healer with divine powers and was popularly known as "Talwar Baba" has been booked under the Maharashtra anti-superstition law at the Biloli police station after anti-superstition activists from the Andha Shradha Nirmulan Samiti brought his activities to light in Badur village of Nanded.

A separate case has also been registered against him and two associates for allegedly using criminal force to deter police from performing their duty inside the same police station.

The accused has been identified as Dnyaneshwar Nagorao Karde. The police said he allegedly practised black magic and duped people by claiming divine powers. Members of the Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti demanded a thorough probe into the man's activities. Activist Kamalakar Jamdade urged the police to crack down on such individuals exploiting people in the name of faith.

According to the Nanded police, Karde had been holding a ‘durbar' for the past four years, claiming he possessed supernatural powers to cure illnesses and resolve family disputes. He allegedly gave "enchanted lemons" to women and others, collecting cash or valuables in return. The police said he earned the moniker "Talwar Baba" due to a sword he reportedly kept with him during such sessions.

After his activities came to the notice of the police, a complaint was lodged on March 29 at the Biloli police station under provisions of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act. Policeman Madhav Totewad lodged the complaint. A second FIR was registered the same day against Karde and his associates Shivkant Shivram Mailare and Nabaji Baba Waghekar. The police said the two men learnt about Karde's arrest, reached the police station and allegedly argued with officers and staff. They allegedly tore up the written complaint submitted by Totewad. Following the incident, a separate FIR was registered based on a complaint by police officer Shivraj Lokhande under relevant BNS sections for obstructing govt work and creating a ruckus inside the police station.

Biloli inspector Atul Bhosale has appealed to residents not to fall prey to such frauds and to approach the police if they are cheated or exploited. He said the first offence registered against Karde was bailable. Karde and his two supporters were arrested for the second FIR. They were produced before the court on March 30, following which the court granted them bail. A chargesheet in the case will be filed soon, officials added.