- A theft case involving men disguised as priests occurred in Sindhanur, Karnataka
- The suspects gave flowers to the shop owner, who lost consciousness after smelling them
- The shop owner handed over Rs 10,000 and a gold ring while in a dazed state
A theft case involving men dressed as priests has been reported from Sindhanur town in Karnataka's Raichur district, where a medical shop owner allegedly lost consciousness after smelling flowers handed to him by the suspects.
One of the accused, dressed like a priest, reportedly entered the shop and asked for water. Shop owner Vishnudatta is said to have offered chilled water from a refrigerator and treated the visitor respectfully.
The police said the accused then handed over two flowers to Vishnudatta, allegedly claiming it would bring prosperity and well-being to him and his children.
Soon after smelling the flowers, the shop owner allegedly became disoriented and "hypnotised". In that state, he is said to have voluntarily handed over Rs 10,000 in cash and a gold ring to the suspects.
Vishnudatta later told the police he felt mentally numb and dazed immediately after smelling the flowers and only realised later that the money and jewellery had been taken away.
"When he gave that flower, within seconds I became like this. I don't know if there was some kind of magic in it. I was unable to speak properly, and I felt completely blank. Whatever he said, I just kept listening to him. He said it was a flower blessing. The money from our cash counter was there and he got ready to take it. He took Rs 10,500 and also took a gold ring I was wearing," the shopkeeper said.
The entire movement of the suspected gang, who were posing as priests, has been captured on nearby CCTV cameras.
A case has been filed with Sindhanur police station. A search has been launched to catch the accused.
