Pune Lodge Owner Cheated of Rs 10,000 by Man Posing as Police Officer
In a brazen act of deception, the Rajgad police in Pune are actively searching for a man who allegedly cheated a lodge owner of Rs 10,000 by impersonating a police officer. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has raised concerns about fraudulent activities targeting local businesses.
Details of the Fraudulent Incident
The accused visited a lodge located near Shindewadi and claimed he was there to inspect the establishment's register. Pretending to conduct a thorough check, he asserted that there were significant irregularities in how the register was maintained. Using this as leverage, he threatened the lodge manager with legal action and demanded a payment of Rs 10,000 to avoid consequences.
The terrified manager complied with the demand and handed over the money, after which he immediately contacted the lodge owner. The owner, who resides in Katraj within Pune, instructed the manager to pass the phone to the supposed policeman. However, the imposter hastily left the lodge and drove away in a car before any further interaction could occur.
Investigation and Police Response
Upon arriving at the lodge, the owner reviewed the CCTV footage and made a critical discovery: the man was not wearing a police uniform, casting doubt on his legitimacy. This prompted the owner to file a formal complaint with the Rajgad police.
An officer from the Rajgad police confirmed that a case has been registered under Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the accused. "We are searching for him," the officer stated, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to apprehend the individual responsible for this fraudulent act.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by small business owners to such scams and underscores the importance of vigilance. The police are urging the public to report any suspicious activities and verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be officials.
