The Marine Drive Police have registered a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust against a Nanded-based man, Satish Sopanrao Kadam, for allegedly defrauding several individuals of nearly ₹91 lakh by falsely promising to secure government project approvals. The case has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The complaint was lodged by Hanumant Laxmanrao Vadje (50), a resident of Sujlegaon in Naigaon taluka of Nanded district. Police stated that Kadam, who hails from Shelgaon in Umri taluka, was known to the complainant and used this familiarity to gain his confidence before executing the alleged fraud.
According to investigators, Vadje, who is involved in road and drainage construction work in his hometown, was enticed by Kadam with assurances that he could facilitate approvals and funding through his alleged contacts in the Urban Development Department and other offices at Mantralaya in Mumbai. Believing these claims, the complainant entered into financial dealings with the accused. Police said Kadam projected himself as someone with strong government connections and convinced Vadje that he could expedite official clearances, prompting the latter to part with large sums of money in anticipation of securing work contracts and administrative permissions.
As part of the alleged fraud, Kadam reportedly collected ₹40 lakh in cash from Vadje during meetings held in Mumbai. Of this amount, ₹30 lakh was handed over on November 17, 2025, near Garden Gate, while another ₹10 lakh was paid on November 19, 2025, at a hotel in the Grant Road area. To further establish credibility, the accused issued four cheques amounting to ₹25 lakh drawn from a private bank. However, police said these cheques later turned out to be invalid, raising suspicion about the accused’s intentions and financial credibility in the entire transaction process.
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Investigators revealed that Kadam returned ₹8.5 lakh to the complainant in December 2025 and assured that the remaining amount would be repaid before the end of the month. However, when Vadje attempted to deposit the cheques provided by the accused, they were dishonoured. Upon confronting Kadam, the complainant was allegedly threatened and told to take whatever action he wished, with the accused refusing to return the remaining funds. This development prompted Vadje to approach the police and formally register a complaint against Kadam for cheating and breach of trust.
Further inquiry by police revealed that Kadam may have used a similar method to cheat multiple individuals by promising government-related work approvals. Authorities stated that at least seven victims, including the complainant, have collectively been duped of approximately ₹90.9 lakh. The alleged offences are believed to have taken place between 2025 and April 2026, with Mantralaya in Mumbai cited as the primary location linked to the case. An FIR was officially registered on April 20, 2026, at 2:07 pm, and the investigation is currently being led by Sub-Inspector Sandeep Gavai, who is examining financial records, bounced cheques, and possible links to other victims and accomplices.