Nearly 20 months after the mysterious death of M C Gafoor, a wealthy NRI businessman, a shocking breakthrough in the Kasaragod occult murder case has shaken Kerala. On December 5, Kasaragod police arrested an occult gang of four, led by a woman known as ‘Jinnumma,’ who used her supposed black magic powers to lure victims.
The gang, active between Bekal and Kannur, operated under the guise of providing remedies for bad luck and doubling gold. The investigation, spearheaded by DySP Johnson K J and his 11-member team, revealed the grim details of how Gafoor was murdered for his gold and money.
NRI businessman: A Web of Deception and Greed
M C Gafoor, a 53-year-old NRI businessman with four thriving supermarkets in Dubai and Sharjah, was found dead in his Kasaragod home on April 14, 2023. While NRI businessman’s death initially seemed peaceful, the family grew suspicious after realizing that 4,768 grams of gold—borrowed by Gafoor from relatives—was missing.
This prompted a police complaint, leading to the exhumation of Gafoor’s body. The autopsy report pointed to a fatal injury caused by NRI businessman’s head being banged against a wall. The Kasaragod occult murder case unfolded further when investigators uncovered incriminating evidence linking the gang to Gafoor’s death.
At the center of this horrifying case is 38-year-old Shameema K H, alias ‘Jinnumma,’ who gained notoriety for her alleged black magic prowess. Promising supernatural remedies, she exploited the fears and greed of her victims, charging exorbitant amounts for amulets and rituals. Gafoor, who trusted her claims, had handed over his family’s gold to Shameema for a ritual to “double” its value.
However, when Gafoor demanded his gold back, the gang, comprising Shameema, her second husband Ubaise T M, Asneefa P M, and Ayesha A, hatched a sinister plan. On the night of April 13, 2023, during a staged ritual, Ubaise fatally assaulted Gafoor, while Ayesha helped destroy evidence.
The Money Trail and Breakthrough Arrests
The breakthrough in the Kasaragod occult NRI murder case came when police followed the money trail. Investigations revealed that the gang had sold parts of the stolen gold to various jewelry shops. Police recovered 232 grams of gold from a local shop and traced multiple financial transactions linked to the accused.
WhatsApp chats between Gafoor and Shameema further implicated the gang, showing he had given her ₹10 lakh in cash in addition to the gold. The funds were used to settle debts, including a ₹9 lakh car loan.
A History of Crime and Manipulation
This is not Shameema’s first encounter with the law. In 2013, she and Ubaise were arrested in a sextortion case. Though they were released after an out-of-court settlement, their criminal history raised red flags during the current investigation.
Despite her criminal past, ‘Jinnumma’ maintained an aura of invincibility in her village. “She is influential here, and many believe in her powers,” a local political leader revealed.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
The arrested individuals now face charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including murder during robbery (Section 397) and using magical remedies (Section 2(c) of the Drugs and Magical Remedies Act). Authorities have also sought the assistance of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate the gang’s financial dealings.
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