Man held for peddling ‘spiritual rewards’

Accused's ‘virtue’ receipt book sparks controversy

GUJRAT:

In a highly unusual incident in Gujrat, an individual was apprehended by the police for allegedly selling “good deeds” in exchange for money.

The Galiana police station in Gujarat took this unique suspect into custody and registered a case against him.

During their routine patrol duty, officers from the Galiana police station came across an individual named Zulfiqar, who was carrying a bag on his shoulder and vocally advertising the sale of good deeds. Intrigued by this unusual behaviour, the police decided to investigate further. They observed as some individuals handed money to Zulfiqar, who, in return, issued receipts.

Zulfiqar possessed a receipt book that featured his name, photograph, and receipt numbers, along with a peculiar phrase, "Hakim Deen ka Darbar".

The police arrested him for what they perceived as an attempt to profit from religion under the guise of begging.

The receipt book contained pricing for good deeds: 100,000 good deeds for Rs10, 10 million good deeds for Rs100, one billion good deeds for Rs1,000 and one trillion good deeds for Rs10,000.

Accused Zulfiqar Ali was allegedly providing citizens with receipts for good deeds in exchange for money.

Galiana Police's ASI, Ghulam Sarwar, registered a case under begging-related provisions in his complaint. During the arrest, a receipt book, Rs550 in cash and a bag were seized from the suspect's possession.

ASI Ghulam Sarwar stated that while the offense was bailable, the police presented the accused, Zulfiqar, in court, where he was granted bail. He added that the police have also filed a challan, with the aim of protecting the rights of those who are entitled to them.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2023.