Malik has been remanded to police custody for seven days. Also remanded are his two cronies, Deepak alias Bahadur alias Baba Sharma and Irfan. According to Senior Inspector Ashok Khupsare, on May 27, Thakar approached Malik for a solution to problems he had with his parents. Malik promised to help Thakar with the help of `supernatural powers' for a fee of Rs 12,000. However, when Thakar's ties with his parents plummeted even further, he filed a police complaint against the `baba', added Khupsare.

Malik set up spiritual shop about five months ago at an office near Sunil Shopping Centre nearNavrang Cinema, peddling solutions for myriad woes like matrimonial alliances, love affairs, child bearing, jobs and family relationships. ``He paid a deposit of Rs one lakh and a rent of Rs 10,000 per month for the office. He would charge his patrons anything between Rs 2,000 and Rs 16,000 depending on the case,'' said Assistant Police Inspector Suresh Bhavar, who is investigating the case.

Malik used the old-fashioned medium of advertising to spread his message: he inserted ads in almost all leading newspapers and eveningers, besides pasting stickers on suburban local trains. During interrogation, Malik told the officers that any patron who approached him was made to sit before a garlanded pot. Malik would address specific questions related to the client's problems, and the pot would miraculously `shake' if a solution seemed in sight. In reality, the pot was tied to Malik's toe with a slim, almost invisble black thread. Malik would tweak his toe, and the customer would pay up convinced of the baba'spowers. In addition, Malik also gave away talismans to his customers.

Most of those who turned to Malik were from educated families. So far, three women have approached the D N Nagar police station, claiming they too have been duped by the baba. The police hope that during the course of investigations, other victims who have been hoodwinked by Malik will come forward and lodge a complaint against him.