Four Booked for Alleged Fraud Using Hidden Treasure Claim in Thane
In Maharashtra's Thane district, four individuals have been booked for allegedly cheating a 40-year-old woman of Rs 5.6 lakh by claiming to perform black magic rituals to uncover hidden treasure beneath her house. The Ulhasnagar police registered cases of extortion, cheating, and criminal intimidation under relevant laws, including the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition Act. The accused reportedly convinced the victim to give cash and gold, then fled after instilling fear and burying ritual items. Police are searching for the suspects.
First-hand measurement across 2 sources
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is neutral (45/100). Lens Score 36/100.
Outlets measured: theprint, news18. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (45–45/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
news18 broke this story on 26 Sept, 04:17 am. Other outlets followed.
- 1news1826 Sept, 04:17 am4 booked for cheating woman of Rs 5.6 lakh with 'hidden treasure' claim
- 2theprint26 Sept, 07:10 am4 booked for cheating woman of Rs 5.6 lakh with 'hidden treasure' claim
Accountability flags
TBN's analysis identified the following accountability dimensions in this story.
- financial irregularity
This story involves alleged financial misconduct — unexplained transactions, procurement irregularities, or misuse of public/shareholder funds.
Who's involved
Institutions and figures named across source coverage.
Story context
- Category
- Crime
- Location
- Thane, India
- Sources analysed
- 2
- Last analysed
- 26 Sept 2026
- Key entities
- LakhIndian rupeeRitualBlack magicMaharashtraThaneThane districtUlhasnagarPress Trust of IndiaNyayaRekhaGuru