Maldives Authorities Apprehend Trio Over Psychic Services, Deportation Underway

Three expatriates were apprehended last Tuesday for engaging in unauthorised astrology practices in the Maldives, with deportation proceedings now underway, authorities have confirmed.

In a statement shared on X yesterday afternoon, Maldives Immigration announced the arrests of Indian nationals Dhananjay Bailapati, 18, Nagaraja Bailapati, 39, and Sreehari Vanam, 25. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Maldives Police, targeted individuals involved in offering unauthorised psychic services in the country.

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The three foreign nationals engaging in unauthorized astrology practices were apprehended and detained yesterday in an operation carried out in coordination with @PoliceMv. The deportation process is now underway. pic.twitter.com/xFgIuRNubP— Maldives Immigration (@ImmigrationMV) January 22, 2025

According to police, the arrests were linked to an investigation launched after a self-proclaimed Hindu guru, operating under the name Master Durga Rao Guruji, began advertising astrology and psychic services in the Maldives through a Facebook page. The services, which reportedly started promotion on 10 January, included palm reading, face reading, black magic removal, horoscope readings, and solutions for relationship and health issues.

Police described these practices as contrary to Maldivian culture and religion, urging the public to report such activities. 

“Instead of sharing information about such things that are against the culture and religion of the people, we believe it is important to bring them to the attention of the relevant authorities as soon as possible and take legal action,” stated police, calling on citizens to report suspicious advertisements immediately.

Maldives Immigration confirmed that the deportation process for the detained individuals is now underway, marking the latest development in efforts to address the unauthorised practice of spiritual and psychic services in the country.