Santacruz Police have arrested a man identified as Vaibhav Paresh Thakkar for allegedly cheating a businessman of around ₹74 lakh by promising to get his civil cases disposed of. The accused reportedly posed as the private personal assistant to the Chief Minister and falsely claimed that his wife is an IPS officer currently serving as a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Mumbai Police, investigations revealed.
Police said Thakkar is a habitual offender and several similar cheating cases have already been registered against him.
The complainant, a 37-year-old businessman, resides with his family in Santacruz. A few months ago, he had filed four civil suits against one Satish Sharma in the Sessions Court at Dindoshi, all of which are currently pending. During this period, one of his friends introduced him to Vaibhav Thakkar, claiming he could help resolve the cases.
During their meeting, Thakkar introduced himself as the Chief Minister’s private assistant and said his wife was an IPS officer posted as a DCP in Mumbai. He claimed to have strong connections at various levels and assured the businessman that he could help settle the civil disputes. To strengthen his claim, Thakkar arrived in a luxury Fortuner vehicle accompanied by private bodyguards dressed like police personnel, which led the complainant to believe his credentials.
In March, Thakkar allegedly called the businessman and demanded money to get all four civil cases settled. Trusting him, the complainant paid ₹74 lakh in instalments. Despite receiving the amount, Thakkar continued demanding more money. When the businessman refused, disputes arose between them.
Police said the accused then allegedly threatened the complainant, warning that if further payment was not made, the verdicts in the civil cases would be delivered against him. Following the threat, the complainant demanded his money back, but Thakkar allegedly stopped responding and blocked his mobile number.
The complainant later came across media reports about Thakkar’s involvement in cheating cases, which prompted him to approach Santacruz Police and lodge a formal complaint. After verifying the allegations, police registered a case of cheating and subsequently arrested Vaibhav Thakkar.
Police further stated that multiple similar cases have been registered against the accused, and he has been arrested earlier in connection with other cheating offences. Further investigation is underway.