CHENNAI: (BUREAU) Police have launched a search for two men who allegedly duped a businessman in Sowcarpet, stealing his gold jewellery after convincing him he was under a curse and performing rituals to ward off evil spirits.

The complainant, Deepak Jain of Mint Street, was walking home from a temple when the men approached him. They struck up a conversation, and after some discussion, convinced him he was cursed. They mock-performed rituals, holding his hand, claiming the curse could be removed.

The duo then persuaded him to remove his gold chain and bracelet, wrap them in paper, and place them in a bag to continue the ritual. Deepak Jain told police he briefly blacked out during the ritual, during which the men fled with the gold.

Based on his complaint, Kothaval Chavadi police have begun an investigation.