Abbottabad police detain cleric accused of taking cash, gold in fake spiritual cure case

ABBOTTABAD: Police in Abbottabad district have arrested an imam of a mosque on charges of defrauding residents by taking cash and jewellery from them under the pretext of providing spiritual healing.

According to police, the imam of a mosque in the village of Noorpur allegedly collected valuables from gullible citizens in exchange for performing “dam darood — a form of spiritual recitation and prayer believed by some to offer healing or protection — before fleeing the area.

Lora police said that they traced the suspect using call data records and other technical means after receiving complaints from affected residents.

The imam was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

Police said the suspect had obtained gold jewellery and cash from multiple individuals, promising spiritual remedies, and then absconded.

Police said that legal proceedings have been initiated, and further investigation is under way to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.

Following the arrest, a large number of residents gathered at the Lora police station to thank authorities for what they described as swift and effective action.

Local community members praised District Police Officer Haroon Rashid and Station House Officer Chanan Khan for the operation.

Residents said that the arrest sent a clear message to those who exploit religious trust for personal gain.

Cases involving spiritual healers accused of financial fraud surface periodically in Pakistan, where faith-based remedies remain common in some communities.