This group was known for their use of a rumāl with a coin in it, a skill which gave them the alternate name phansigars, or (*) "noose-operators".
In Chapter 26 of Following the Equator, Mark Twain marvels at how an English traveler did not have an encounter with this group. This group did most of their work at locations called beles. The capture and compliance of one-time member of this group Feringhea by William Sleeman was one of the turning points in bringing about their downfall. This group was known for their use of a rumāl with a coin in it, a skill which gave them the alternate name phansigars, or (*) "noose-operators". The legacy of this group was the main impetus behind the several Criminal Tribes Acts, though they had already been suppressed under an eponymous act that also targeted the similar dacoits. For 10 points, identify this Indian criminal organization whose Hindu members were primarily devoted to Kali.
In Chapter 26 of Following the Equator, Mark Twain marvels at how an English traveler did not have an encounter with this group.
Thugees (a pronunciation like "tug" is closer to the original, but accept the anglicized "th" as in "thin")