A self-proclaimed spiritual leader known as Rice Baba has been named in a fresh police case filed by Raipur authorities. A doctor from Noida alleges the man defrauded him of nearly Rs 40 lakh by taking advantage of his grief after his brother’s unexplained death.
Narendra Nayan Shastri, already held in a Madhya Pradesh jail over a separate rape matter, now faces investigation into accusations of cheating and deception.
The complaint states that Dr Rishabh Chaubey contacted Shastri in Raipur following his younger brother’s death in Indore in August 2024. Seeking spiritual answers, the doctor was told the accused could uncover hidden truths using special powers.
Police reports indicate Shastri first gained trust, then claimed evil forces threatened the family and that rituals were required for protection. This led to multiple payments over months.
Records show roughly Rs 20 lakh transferred to the accused’s account between October 2024 and early 2026, supposedly for a luxury vehicle. Another Rs 10 lakh was handed over in cash for ceremonies, with Rs 10 lakh more spent on travel and expenses, totaling about Rs 40 lakh.
After growing suspicious, the doctor filed a report in Raipur. An FIR has been registered and investigators are reviewing financial documents.
Shastri, who gained followers in Chhattisgarh through public talks claiming to predict futures with rice and flowers, may be brought in for questioning. Police are also checking if other followers were similarly affected.
