Nagpur Cyber Police Apprehend 11th Suspect in Major Gold Scam Case
The Nagpur rural local crime branch, in a coordinated operation with technical assistance from the Cyber Police, successfully arrested the 11th accused in a significant Rs 18 lakh gold scam on Saturday. The suspect, identified as Sumit Athawale, aged 50 and a resident of Sanjay Gandhi Nagar in Amravati, was taken into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into the fraudulent scheme.
Details of the Gold Scam and Criminal Activities
This case was officially registered at the Kondhali police station on December 10, 2024, following a complaint by Gajanan Brahmine from Warud, Amravati. Brahmine reported that he was deceived out of Rs 18 lakh by a criminal gang that had promised to sell him hidden gold. In a shocking turn of events, the accused later impersonated fake police officers near a resort on the Kondhali-Katol Road. They not only assaulted the complainant but also forcibly took Rs 3,000 in cash and his mobile phone, adding to the severity of the crime.
Sumit Athawale has a notable criminal history, with multiple property-related cases already filed against him. This includes a prior robbery incident in Paratwada, Amravati, highlighting his involvement in similar unlawful activities. The arrest marks a crucial step in dismantling the network behind this elaborate scam.
Leadership and Execution of the Police Operation
The operation was spearheaded by a team of senior police officials, demonstrating a high level of coordination and expertise. Superintendent of Police Harssh A Poddar, Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Mhaske, and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Parag Pote played pivotal roles in planning and executing the arrest. Their efforts underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat cyber-enabled crimes and fraud in the region.
This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on financial scams that exploit victims through false promises and impersonation. The involvement of the Cyber Police highlights the increasing reliance on digital forensics and technical support in solving modern crimes. Authorities continue to investigate the case to identify and apprehend any remaining accomplices, ensuring justice for the victims and deterring future criminal activities.
