A shocking case of financial fraud has come to light in Mumbai, where a mother-son duo allegedly duped several people of ₹1.46 crore by luring them with promises of high returns and doubling of investment under fake government schemes. The accused have been identified as Pratik Kala and his mother Trishal Kala.
According to police officials, Pratik Kala falsely claimed to be a senior officer in the Foreign and Trade Department of the Government of India. During the investigation, it was revealed that he used this fake identity to gain the trust of the complainant and several others. The police have declared both accused as wanted, and action for their arrest will be taken after further investigation.
The complainant is a 47-year-old businesswoman who runs a ladies’ garment shop and resides with her family in the Lokhandwala Complex area of Andheri. She came into contact with Pratik Kala and his mother in October last year.
Pratik allegedly introduced himself as a government officer and even attempted to show a visiting card bearing the Ashoka emblem to establish credibility. He convinced the complainant that the Government of India had launched multiple investment schemes under its Foreign and Trade Department, assuring lucrative returns with no risk.
He further lured them with a “bonanza scheme,” promising that investments would double within a short period. Trusting his claims, the complainant, along with her family members, relatives, and friends, invested a total of ₹1,46,34,000 in various schemes.
However, none of the investors received any returns or the promised doubled amount. When questioned, the accused allegedly avoided giving clear answers and kept making excuses. Growing suspicious, the complainant conducted her own inquiry and discovered that Pratik Kala had no association with any government department and was not a government employee.
It was then revealed that the duo had fraudulently collected ₹1.46 crore by deceiving multiple individuals under the guise of government schemes and misappropriated the funds.
Following this, the complainant approached Oshiwara Police Station and filed a complaint. Based on her statement, the police have registered a case against Pratik Kala and Trishal Kala for cheating and impersonating a government official.
The investigation is currently underway, and police are also probing whether the accused have duped more victims using similar methods.