Nashik Senior Citizen Targeted by Fraudsters Posing as Policemen
In a distressing incident that has raised concerns about the safety of elderly citizens, two fraudsters impersonating police officers successfully cheated a 73-year-old woman of her gold bangles worth approximately ₹2 lakh in the Mhasrul area of Nashik on Tuesday. The Mhasrul police have promptly registered a First Information Report (FIR) for offences punishable under sections 319(1), 319(2), and 3(5), launching a thorough investigation into the matter.
Details of the Deceptive Crime
According to the complaint filed with the police, the victim, identified as Laximabi Dhotre (70), a resident of Dindori Road in Mhasrul, had ventured out to purchase vegetables on Tuesday morning. As she was walking near the Balaji Chowk area, she encountered two suspicious men loitering near a building. One of the individuals approached her and, posing as a police officer, convinced her to remove her gold bangles under the false pretext of a recent murder incident in the vicinity.
The fraudster cleverly manipulated the elderly woman by suggesting that it would be safer to keep her valuables in her bag to avoid attracting attention. In what appeared to be a gesture of assistance, the conmen took the bangles from her, but in a swift and deceptive move, they handed her something else in their place before hastily fleeing the scene. It was only later that the victim realized she had been duped, leading to immediate police involvement.
Police Response and Legal Action
The Mhasrul police have taken the case seriously, registering the FIR under the specified sections to address the impersonation and theft. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area and conducting inquiries to identify and apprehend the culprits. This incident highlights the growing need for heightened vigilance, especially among senior citizens who are often targeted by such fraudulent schemes.
Local residents have expressed alarm over the brazen nature of the crime, urging the police to enhance patrolling in residential and market areas to prevent similar occurrences. The case serves as a stark reminder for the public to verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers and to report any suspicious activities immediately.
