TORONTO — Police in Toronto say they've charged a 37-year-old man with practising witchcraft.
Investigators say the accused advertised his services as an astrologer and psychic in February and March.
They allege a 44-year-old man who consulted the accused for psychic services earlier this month was told a sick family member had been the victim of an evil spirit.
Police say the man was allegedly charged $101,000 to remove the evil spirit.
They say Murali Muthyalu, a visitor from India, is charged with practising witchcraft, fraud over $5,000, and extortion.
Investigators allege the accused used an alias of Master Raghav and are asking anyone who has had dealings with him to contact police.
In an online ad, the Sri Gayatri Astrological Center advertises the removal of “black magic evil spirits” while also promising to solve everything from “love” to “money and court problems.” The ad also offers a 100 per cent guarantee.
When the victim, a 44-year-old Brampton man, visited the Sri Gayatri Astrological Center near Islington Avenue and Albion Road on Feb. 1, he was told that his daughter was carrying an evil spirit.
Muthyalu, who has been in Canada for less than a year, allegedly convinced the man to pay him to attempt to remove the spirit. When he’d perform the ritual and it wouldn’t work, police said Muthyalu convinced the victim to try multiple techniques. For each ceremony, Muthyalu’s prices increased, police said, until the victim had spent a total of $101,000.
Police wouldn’t detail what types of rituals Muthyalu was performing, but the victim’s daughter was present for most of them.
