New Delhi: A 21-year-old self-styled fortune-teller, who built up a criminal gang using his "powers" to predict the future, was arrested along with his associate in west Delhi for his alleged involvement in at least 30 snatching cases, police said today.

Om Prakash, whose followers called him 'Guruji', and his associate Arjun (21) were apprehended from Bali Nagar area in Moti Nagar yesterday on a tip off, V Renganathan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), said.

The duo was involved in at least 30 snatching cases which are yet to be solved.

"Prakash fell in bad company as he did not get proper attention from his parents who were trying to meet the needs of the family. He started to pretend as a fortune-teller."

"He became known in his area. His life took a turn when criminals of the area came in his contact. The criminals used to ask him about success in their misdeeds. Some of his so-called predictions proved right. He was known as 'Guruji' among criminals," Renganathan said.

Prakash started earning well as the criminals used to donate a handsome share to their 'Guruji', he said, adding he started dreaming about becoming rich in a very short time.

He coordinated amongst criminals and organised a new gang of his own. The gang members were his true followers and were much confident.

"On the prediction of 'Guruji', they started committing snatchings. With the earnings derived from it, they purchased country-made pistol and button-activated knife and used to spend the money for wine and women," Renganathan said.

Tags: fortune-teller arrested, fortune-teller snatching, snatching cases