Navi Mumbai: Elderly Man Duped of Rs 1.54 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud in Panvel, Probe On

Navi Mumbai: A fraud case reported were victim transferred Rs. 1.54 crore between March 23 and March 31, in fear of legal consequences. The accused later instructed him to collect documents from Panvel police station, but upon visiting the station.  Realizing he'd been scammed, he filed a cyber police complaint.

Police have registered a case under Sections 318(4), 319(2), 338, 340(2), 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, with Police Inspector Vishal Patil leading the investigation. Authorities warn the public that police and government agencies do not make arrests via video calls or demand money transfers for verification, urging vigilance and immediate reporting of such scams.

Two fraudsters posing as a CBI officers cheated a Dombivli based employee of Rs. 71 Lakh rs, by fabricating criminal probe and legal action. This major scam busted after victim's wife timely intervention.  The victim identified as Mahesh Manohar Agarkar, who is an private company employee residing in Pandurangwadi, Dombivli east. A case has been registered against the accused, Sandeep Kumar Rao and Karan Sharma. 

A cheating case has been registered against the accused. The fraud against Agarkar began in early March with a call from someone impersonating a TRAI official. The caller claimed objectionable messages were sent from Agarkar's number, a complaint was filed at Ghatkopar Police Station, and the CBI was investigating, threatening phone seizure. According to FPJ reports, Sandeep Rao contacted him claiming that he had financial irregularities in his bank transactions. Soon after, Karan Sharma joined, claiming that Agarkar had received commissions from banks, indicating illegal financial activity. The duo then sent forged documents, including fake Supreme Court orders, to build pressure.  

Agarkar was defrauded of Rs 71,10,000 after being pressured into making phased payments (Rs 7 lakh, Rs 9 lakh, and Rs 54 lakh) to settle a fabricated case, with the promise of a full refund. Driven by fear, Agarkar made the transfers. The fraud was uncovered when his wife grew suspicious and the accused failed to provide adequate explanations. Upon verification, the documents proved to be fake. Agarkar reported the incident to the Manpada Police Station, where an investigation is underway. Police are advising the public to verify such claims and avoid transferring money under duress.