Murali Muthyalu, 37, is seen in this undated police handout photo. Police in Toronto say a psychic has been charged with pretending to practise witchcraft after a customer allegedly paid more than $100,000 to have an "evil spirit" removed. Investigators say the 37-year-old accused advertised his services as an astrologer and psychic in February and March. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Toronto Police Service *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Republished March 30, 2017 - 10:49 AM
Original Publication Date March 30, 2017 - 8:30 AM
TORONTO - Police in Toronto say a psychic has been charged with pretending to practise witchcraft after a customer allegedly paid more than $100,000 to have an "evil spirit" removed.
Investigators say the 37-year-old accused advertised his services as an astrologer and psychic in February and March.
They allege a 44-year-old man who consulted the accused for psychic services earlier this month was told a sick family member had been the victim of an evil spirit.
Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu says the man made payments totalling $101,000 to remove the evil spirit.
Police say Murali Muthyalu, a visitor from India, is charged with pretending to practise witchcraft, fraud over $5,000, and extortion.
Investigators allege the accused used an alias of Master Raghav and are asking anyone who has had dealings with him to contact police.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2017