Pune Police Launch Manhunt for Duo in Rs 85 Lakh Investment Scam
The Talegaon MIDC police in Pune have initiated a search operation for two individuals, one hailing from Virar in Palghar district and the other from Mehsana in Gujarat. They are accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that resulted in an industry owner losing a staggering Rs 85 lakh. The deception was carried out under the guise of facilitating a massive investment of Rs 65 crore into the victim's company.
Timeline of the Fraudulent Activities
The fraudulent activities spanned from February to November 2024, during which the accused systematically exploited the complainant's trust. The victim, a 43-year-old resident of Mumbai, endured over a year of pursuit for his funds before finally resorting to legal action. Frustrated by the lack of repayment, he formally approached the Talegaon MIDC police station and lodged a detailed complaint on Saturday.
Details of the Complainant and Initial Contact
According to police officials, the complainant operates a logistics and trailer manufacturing company based in Maval taluka. In February 2024, the first accused from Palghar made contact with him. This individual, who manages a multiventure company, presented himself as a potential investor, promising to inject Rs 15 crore into the logistics firm. To initiate the process, he demanded Rs 15 lakh from the owner, citing various administrative and procedural formalities necessary for the investment.
Escalation of the Scam
The scheme escalated when the accused returned with a new proposition. He introduced a second investor from Gujarat, assuring the complainant of an additional Rs 50 crore investment. Capitalizing on this renewed promise, the duo collectively extracted another Rs 69.60 lakh from the victim, attributing the charges to different fabricated reasons. In total, the fraudulent pair siphoned off Rs 85 lakh from the unsuspecting business owner.
Police Investigation and Current Status
An officer from the Talegaon MIDC police elaborated on the case, stating, "When the promised investments failed to materialize, the complainant repeatedly demanded the return of his Rs 85 lakh. After exhausting all avenues for recovery, he was compelled to file a formal complaint." The police are now actively investigating the matter, gathering evidence, and pursuing leads to locate and apprehend the two accused. The case highlights the risks associated with high-stakes investment deals and underscores the importance of due diligence in business transactions.
