Source: The Hindustan Times
MUMBAI, INDIA, September 19, 2002: In tradition-bound India, says this article, if someone claims to be able to levitate or pull a gold chain out of thin air, it does not take long for him to become known as a “Godman.” There are numerous so-called “Miracle Babas” who are just out to get rich by duping as many people as fast as they can. Mumbai Police are cracking down on the charlatans and have called for the help of a group known as the All India Committee to Eradicate Superstition and Blind Faith, to convince people special power is more often than not sleight of hand or illusion. “The campaign is meant to be an eye-opener. We want to put a complete stop to those posing as Godmen. They are involved in outright cheating and violent acts,” joint commissioner of police for crime in Mumbai, SS Vagal, said. “It’s simple. If you want people to bow down at you then you perform a trick,” said well-known magician Anand Tayade, who is helping with the campaign against the fraud.