Pune : Fake Sadhu Baba Arrested for Spying on Devotees Using Hidden App
A shocking case has come to light in Pune where a self-proclaimed sadhu, posing as a spiritual guru, has been arrested for blackmailing and mentally harassing devotees by secretly spying on them through a hidden mobile app.
The accused, identified as 29-year-old Prasad Dada alias Bhimrao Tamdar, manipulated people by claiming to possess divine powers. Under the guise of spirituality and superstition, he convinced devotees to install a mobile application named Air Droid Kid on their phones. Once installed, the app gave him complete access to their private data, allowing him to monitor their activities through a hidden camera feature.
The case surfaced after a 39-year-old construction businessman, referred to as Isma, filed a complaint at the Bavdhan police station. Isma alleged that the fake sadhu mentally and physically tortured him. Using sweet talk and manipulation, the accused lured Isma into his trap. Without the victim's knowledge, Tamdar installed the spyware app on his mobile device, giving him remote control over the phone’s contents.
Tamdar reportedly used the app to blackmail the victim, forcing him into performing obscene acts with his girlfriend and even attempting to coerce him into prostitution. He threatened Isma with dire consequences, claiming that refusing his commands would result in death. In addition, he extorted ₹15,000 from the victim under the pretext of donations for a spiritual math (monastery).
The scam was exposed when Isma noticed that his phone was overheating. Suspecting something was wrong, he gave it to a cyber expert friend for inspection. It was then discovered that the phone was being remotely accessed. Further investigation revealed that several other devotees also had the same hidden app installed, confirming a larger pattern of exploitation.
Following the revelations, a case has been registered at Bavdhan police station under multiple serious sections, including cheating, mental harassment, blackmail, and unauthorized use of confidential digital information.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the misuse of technology in the name of faith. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and not fall prey to individuals claiming spiritual powers without verification.