In a shocking incident at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Terminal 1), a young student was allegedly duped of ₹31,800 by a conman under the pretext of seeking help to reach an examination centre. The Airport Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and an investigation is underway.
According to police sources, the 19-year-old student, a resident of Malad, had arrived in Mumbai from Delhi on April 30, 2026, at around 8:20 pm. While she was charging her mobile phone near baggage belt number 3, an unidentified man approached her claiming that his flight to Lucknow had been cancelled and that he urgently needed to reach for an examination.
To gain her trust, the accused allegedly showed a fake ID card and hall ticket and assured her that the money would be returned. He then generated a QR code through a mobile application and asked her to scan it. Upon scanning, an amount of ₹31,800 was transferred from her bank account.
Later, the student realised that the money had been credited to an account under a different name. When she contacted the accused the next day, he reportedly evaded her queries and issued threats. Following this, she approached the Airport Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Police officials stated that similar incidents have been reported earlier within the airport jurisdiction, indicating the possible involvement of an organised gang targeting passengers, especially students, by exploiting their sympathy.
Authorities have urged travellers to remain cautious and avoid financial transactions with strangers, particularly in sensitive areas like airports.