In a shocking incident in Mumbai, a self-proclaimed Muslim holy man, Abubakar Mohammad Ali Shaikh, has found himself in hot water after being accused of exploiting the vulnerabilities of numerous individuals. This case, emerging from the heart of Sewri, unfolded on the 30th of January when the RAK Marg Police took action against Abubakar following allegations of deceit. The accusation? Manipulating people under the guise of offering miraculous cures for serious illnesses, facilitating the acquisition of US visas, and resolving marital conflicts.

The victim, whose complaint set the legal wheels in motion, shared a harrowing tale of deception and misplaced faith. Despite seeking medical help for severe body pain across various hospitals, her condition saw no improvement. It was during this time of desperation that Abubakar, wearing the mantle of a 'godman', stepped into her life with promises of relief. Claiming the ability to eradicate her pain within 40 days through 'black magic' rituals, his demands were steep — a whopping Rs 4 lakh along with gold. The rationale behind this hefty sum? To carry out a goat sacrifice and make donations at Dargahs, an act he pitched as a panacea for her ailments.

This incident has not only highlighted the exploitation of faith but also the dark underbelly of individuals who prey on the desperate and gullible. The victim, a Muslim woman from RAK Marg, found herself entrapped in Abubakar's deceitful promises, illustrating the lengths to which some will go to exploit those in need.

In a distressing continuation of the case against Abubakar Mohammad Ali Shaikh, the complainant's ordeal reveals deeper layers of deceit and exploitation that she endured. The narrative unfolds with Abubakar taking his deceptive practices a step further by allegedly employing mystical objects known as Taweez, believed by some to possess protective or healing properties. According to the victim, Abubakar 'cast some spells' on two white Taweez, instructing her to place one beneath the cupboard in her house and the other under a stone in the gallery. In pursuit of relief and solutions, the victim complied, surrendering not only her faith but also substantial material possessions to Abubakar. She handed over two tolas of gold, which included sentimental items like a pair of earrings and a mangalsutra, along with a sum of Rs. 50,000 on the 23rd of March of the previous year, hoping for a cure and peace within her household.

The tale of exploitation doesn't end here. The complainant, driven by a desire to harmonize her household plagued by disputes among her daughters-in-law and their families, sought Abubakar's 'services' once more. This time, the promise was of peace and tranquility through more 'black magic'. The desperation for harmony led her to not only seek help for herself but also to refer a relative to Abubakar with the hope of securing employment for her son in the United States. The price for this promise? A hefty Rs 1.70 lakh, handed over by the relative in faith of Abubakar's abilities.

The heart of the matter, however, lies in the breach of trust and unfulfilled promises. Despite the significant financial and emotional investment made by the victim and her relative, Abubakar failed to deliver on his commitments.

in the ongoing investigation against Abubakar Mohammad Ali Shaikh, the scope of his alleged deceit expands as more victims come forward with their stories of exploitation and loss. Among the victims was a friend of the complainant, who was battling cancer. In a particularly distressing claim, it's reported that Abubakar preyed upon her vulnerability, suggesting that her life hung in the balance. He allegedly warned her that she had merely 12 days to live unless she submitted to the rituals he proposed. This sinister manipulation extends beyond the complainant and her immediate circle, as Abubakar is also accused of taking advantage of another individual's distress, accepting money under the guise of performing rituals to pacify her crying baby.

The financial and emotional toll of Abubakar's alleged actions is staggering, with victims reportedly losing over Rs 6,12,000 in cash and approximately 230 grams of gold, valued at around Rs 11,50,000. These figures not only quantify the material loss suffered by those involved but also hint at the profound sense of betrayal and despair they must feel.

In response to these grievous allegations, the legal system has begun to mobilize against Abubakar. At 32 years old, this self-proclaimed 'godman' faces serious charges under the Indian Penal Code: Section 406, for criminal breach of trust, and Section 420, for cheating. Additionally, he's being scrutinized under Section 3 of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013. These charges reflect the severity of the accusations and the potential harm inflicted upon the victims.

The police revealed that after receiving no relief from Abubakar's so-called 'black magic' rituals, the victims sought to reclaim their financial losses. Abubakar's initial response, a written assurance to refund their money, quickly soured as he started to dodge their calls and requests. This evasion has prompted a deeper investigation, with authorities now diligently working to gather evidence and untangle the web of deceit spun by Abubakar.

The police added that an investigation has been initiated into the matter and they are gathering evidence.

Hindustan Times Publishes Misleading Headline, Calls Muslim Accused as ‘Tantrik’

In a recent development that has sparked considerable controversy and criticism, the Hindustan Times found itself at the center of a storm for its portrayal of a case involving Abubakar Mohammad Ali Shaikh, a Muslim 'godman' accused of exploiting people's vulnerabilities. On February 1, the publication released a report on the filing of an FIR against Abubakar but chose to headline the piece with a term that has led to accusations of misleading representation and bias: “Tantrik booked for duping women by offering a cure for cancer, helping secure US visa.”

The choice of the word 'Tantrik', traditionally associated with practitioners of Tantra in Hinduism, in the headline without mentioning the accused's name or religious background, has raised eyebrows and ire alike. Critics argue that this terminology not only obscures the accused's Muslim identity but also unjustly implies a Hindu connection to the crimes, potentially 'secularizing' the crime in a manner that distorts the religious context and could mislead readers about the nature of the accused's purported spiritual authority.

The backlash was swift and vocal, especially on social media platforms where users, including notable figures, accused the Hindustan Times of engaging in a form of editorial bias that could contribute to religious misrepresentation. Shashank Shekhar Jha, a Supreme Court lawyer, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dismay, stating, “Name of the fraudster: Abubakar Mohammad Ali Shaikh. Shame on you @HindustanTimes for calling him a Tantrik. This article by @htTweets isn’t only anti-Hindu propaganda but a defamatory hate speech against Hindu community.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the terminology used by media outlets can significantly influence public perception and potentially fuel communal misunderstandings or stereotypes.

The incident raises important questions about journalistic responsibility and the impact of word choice in reporting. The use of specific cultural or religious terms, especially in sensitive contexts, requires careful consideration to avoid unintended implications or the dissemination of misleading narratives. It underscores the necessity for media organizations to strive for accuracy and clarity, particularly when dealing with issues that intersect with religious identities and practices.

Furthermore, the criticism directed at the Hindustan Times highlights a growing demand for media transparency and accountability, urging publications to reflect on their role in shaping societal discourse. It serves as a reminder that the power of the press comes with the responsibility to present information in a manner that is both truthful and respectful of diverse religious and cultural contexts.

As the debate continues, it remains imperative for media outlets to engage in introspection and dialogue with their readership to address concerns of bias and misrepresentation. Ensuring that reporting is not only informative but also equitable and respectful of all communities is crucial in maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the journalistic profession.