Mumbai is witnessing a disturbing new trend in street crime, where mobile snatching is being followed by targeted digital fraud. In a shocking incident from Kandivali West, a young man returning home after a film shoot first lost his mobile phone to snatchers and later discovered that the same device was used to siphon off ₹76,269 from his bank account. The case has raised serious concerns over mobile security and the safety of digital transactions in the city. Kandivali police have registered a case and initiated an investigation based on the victim’s complaint.
According to the police, the complainant, Ankithkumar Vaikunth Tiwari (24), works as a light man in the television serial industry. He stated that a promo shoot for a serial was underway at Bhoot Bangla, Garden Retreat complex in Kandivali West on January 12, 2026, and concluded around 3 am on January 13. After the shoot ended, Ankithkumar began walking towards his residence in the Poinsur area.
At around 4:05 am, while he was near Shatabdi Hospital, two unidentified youths riding a motorcycle suddenly snatched his mobile phone from his hand and fled at high speed. Due to the darkness and the speed of the bike, the victim was unable to note down the registration number of the vehicle.
The next day, when Ankithkumar visited an ATM, he received a message stating that his PIN was incorrect. On January 15, after checking his account details at the bank branch, he discovered that ₹69,269 had been withdrawn from his account through multiple UPI transactions between January 13 and January 15.
The fraud did not end there. Using the stolen mobile phone, the accused impersonated Ankithkumar and sent emotional messages to his brother-in-law, Pawan Mishra, on WhatsApp, requesting financial help. Believing the messages to be genuine, Mishra transferred ₹8,000 to Ankithkumar’s account, which was also immediately withdrawn by the accused. With this, the total amount siphoned off reached ₹76,269.
Kandivali police have registered a case of mobile snatching and cyber fraud against unknown persons. CCTV footage from the surrounding areas is being examined, and efforts are underway to trace the location of the stolen phone using its IMEI number.
Senior police officials have stated that this pattern of digital fraud following mobile snatching is increasing rapidly in Mumbai. The police have appealed to citizens to secure their mobile phones with strong locks, enable additional security features on banking applications, and remain cautious of suspicious messages or calls to prevent such crimes.