CHENNAI: A parrot astrologer, who made a Canadian woman perform rituals in the nude promising that it would remove problems in her life, and later extorted money from her on the threat of releasing her nude photographs, was arrested by the Chennai police.
The accused was identified as Isakki Muthu, a parrot astrologer from Tenkasi district. According to the police, a Canadian woman had visited Chennai a few months ago and approached him for an astrology consultation.
Isakki Muthu allegedly ‘studied’ her past and said certain rituals were necessary to resolve problems in her life.
After earning her trust, he allegedly invited her to his room and performed a 'nude pooja' and secretly recorded the proceedings on his mobile phone.
Later, he contacted the woman and allegedly demanded money, threatening to circulate the photographs on social media if she refused.
The woman is said to have initially paid him Rs 20,000. When he contacted her again allegedly demanding Rs 70,000, she refused and returned to Canada.
The police said the astrologer continued to contact her and threatened to release the photographs.
He later invited her to Chennai again on the pretext of spending time together. After repeated harassment, the woman lodged a complaint.
Based on her complaint, the Mambalam All Women Police Station registered a case and arrested Isakki Muthu.
He was produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody. The investigation is continuing.