Indian Swami Charged With Swindling Man

An Indian swami known for his political connections and posh lifestyle was in police custody Friday after being arrested on charges he swindled $100,000 from a London businessman.

Nemi Chand Jain, more commonly known as Chandraswami, was reported arrested Thursday.

A spiritual adviser to Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, Chandraswami has enjoyed fame as a faith healer and self-professed psychic for years. Among his many admirers he counts actress Elizabeth Taylor, as well as international arms dealers and wealthy businessmen.

Chandraswami, 46, appeared in court Friday on charges of cheating a London-based Indian man in 1983 by promising to help him win contracts for supplying newsprint.