Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A man allegedly duped several people of Rs 49.80 lakh by luring them with promises of high returns through cryptocurrency investments. The fraud took place between 2021 and 2025. A case has been registered against Vijay Bhanudas Shinde (resident of Pundliknagar) at Jawaharnagar police station.
According to the complaint filed by Devidas Motiram Rathod (resident of Jawahar Colony), a retired manager from a daily newspaper, he was introduced to the accused in May 2021 at a hotel near Hedgewar Hospital. Shinde claimed he operated a firm named N Enterprises Pvt Ltd at Deolai Chowk and had experience in cryptocurrency, Super One, Daisy, and the stock market, promising high returns on investments.
Initially, Rathod invested Rs 10,000 and was promised Rs 25,000 within 20 days, which he received. Gaining trust, he made further investments of Rs 30,000 and Rs 1.30 lakh, receiving Rs 2.05 lakh in return after one and a half months.
Later, Rathod invested Rs 13.70 lakh, his wife Vijaya Rathod Rs 6.50 lakh, sister-in-law Yashoda Rathod Rs 2.50 lakh, sister Mirabai Pawar Rs 1.60 lakh, brother-in-law Anil Chavan Rs 8.50 lakh, Santosh Chavan Rs 8.25 lakh, and nephew Vijay Rathod Rs 8.75 lakh totalling Rs 49.80 lakh.
The accused repeatedly assured repayment through his wife Manisha Shinde and mother Rukmini Shinde between January and March 2025 but failed to return the money. The complainant then approached the economic offences wing, following which a cheating case was registered. Further investigation is being carried out by police sub-inspector Maroti Khillare.
More victims suspected
Police suspect that the accused may have duped several others using similar tactics and have appealed to victims to come forward and lodge complaints.
(Passport-size photo of the accused)