The arrest of Prasad alias Dada Bhimrao Tamdar, a fake godman in Pune, has exposed a deeply disturbing case of digital surveillance, sexual exploitation, and blackmail under the guise of spiritual healing.
Key Allegations:
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Tamdar posed as a spiritual guru claiming divine powers, luring devotees for supposed healing rituals and spiritual cleansing.
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A 39-year-old man filed a complaint stating Tamdar secretly installed a spy app—Air Droid Kid—on his phone.
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Using the app, the accused remotely accessed private data, recorded conversations, and captured video footage of victims.
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He allegedly coerced followers into performing obscene acts, threatening to release compromising content to push them into solicitation.
The App and Modus Operandi:
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Air Droid Kid is a covert surveillance tool designed for parental monitoring but was abused to monitor and manipulate victims.
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Victims were invited to private sessions under spiritual pretexts, where their devices were tampered with.
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Tamdar used the gathered material to blackmail and control his followers, effectively trapping them in a cycle of fear and coercion.
Police Action:
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Police raided the accused’s residence and seized:
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His mobile phone, which contained multiple secretly recorded videos
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Digital evidence pointing to broader surveillance
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A case has been filed under:
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Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (cheating)
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Section 75(1) (sexual harassment)
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Relevant sections of the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act, aimed at curbing exploitation through occult practices.
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Current Status:
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Authorities are analysing other devices and cloud data to determine the scale of the operation.
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Police are investigating:
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Whether Tamdar targeted others across Maharashtra or beyond
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If the recorded material was distributed or monetized
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The existence of any accomplices or enablers
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Broader Context:
This case highlights:
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The emerging threat of digital tools being misused by fraudsters in positions of trust or influence.
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The vulnerability of individuals seeking spiritual solace, especially when technology is weaponized against them.
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The critical role of digital literacy and legal vigilance in detecting and reporting such abuse.
Conclusion:
Tamdar’s arrest serves as a warning against self-styled godmen exploiting faith for personal gain and abuse. It also underscores the importance of cybercrime awareness, especially when spiritual authority is manipulated to perpetrate high-tech exploitation.
