Mon Sep 15 17:12:17 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Hindu newspaper published a news story on September 15, 2025, about a man in Machilipatnam, India, who was allegedly defrauded of ₹3 crore (approximately $360,000 USD) by a con artist. The fraudster claimed to possess a ‘Kamandalam’ (holy water pot) with supernatural powers and antique value and promised the victim a large profit from its sale. The victim, residing in Poranki, Krishna district, paid the accused, Lakshmi Prasad of Vijayawada, in installments. The accused never showed the item and police suspect hypnosis was involved. Police are investigating the case and whether others were involved. The article also lists various newsletter publications from The Hindu: “The View From India,” “First Day First Show,” “Today’s Cache,” “Science For All,” “Data Point,” “Health Matters,” and “The Hindu on Books.”

**News Article:**

**Man Duped of ₹3 Crore in ‘Holy Water Pot’ Scam**

**MACHILIPATNAM, INDIA – September 15, 2025** – A man from the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh has allegedly been swindled out of ₹3 crore by a fraudster claiming to possess a ‘Kamandalam,’ a holy water pot believed to have supernatural powers and significant antique value.

According to Gannavaram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ch. Srinivas, the victim, a resident of Poranki, was befriended by the accused, identified as Lakshmi Prasad from Vijayawada, in 2020. Prasad reportedly convinced the victim that he owned a Kamandalam located in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam district. He further claimed the pot could be sold for around ₹100 crore.

Believing Prasad’s assertions, the victim paid him ₹3 crore in installments. “On knowing that he got deceived, the victim approached the police,” DSP Srinivas told *The Hindu* Monday.

The Penamaluru police have registered a case and launched an investigation. “Lakshmi Prasad had never showed the ‘Kamandalam’ to the victim,” stated Mr. Srinivas. “Accused took the complainant to different places, reportedly put him under spells of hypnosis and cheated him. We are investigating whether any other accused were involved.”

The case highlights the persistence of fraudulent schemes exploiting religious beliefs and the allure of antique artifacts. Police are urging the public to exercise caution when approached with similar offers.

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