Nagpur Electric Scooter Fraud: Wardha Duo Accused of Duping 22 Customers of ₹7 Lakh
In a significant consumer fraud case emerging from Nagpur, two men from Wardha have been formally accused of allegedly cheating 22 customers out of a total of ₹7 lakh. The fraudulent scheme centered on promises of electric scooters being sold at heavily discounted rates, which were never delivered to the victims.
Details of the Accused and Their Operation
The individuals facing charges are identified as Ganesh Panjwani, aged 46, and Anil Valecha, aged 48. Both are residents of Wardha and were operating a shop that sold electric scooters. This establishment was located in Ramdaspeth, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Bajaj Nagar police station in Nagpur.
According to police reports, the duo managed their deceptive business from this shop, using it as a front to gain the trust of potential customers before executing their scam.
How the Fraud Was Executed
The complaint that led to the case was filed by Bholeshankar Kasturi, a 55-year-old resident of Quetta Colony in Nagpur. Kasturi approached Panjwani and Valecha with the intention of purchasing an electric scooter, only to become one of their many victims.
The accused allegedly employed a specific tactic to lure customers: they offered electric scooters at cheaper prices, claiming these discounts were available in the name of students. This appeal to affordability proved effective in attracting multiple buyers.
The fraudulent activities took place over a defined period, from January 10 to March 17 of last year. During this time, Panjwani and Valecha collected booking amounts from 22 individuals who had placed orders for the scooters. However, after collecting the money, the duo absconded without delivering any of the promised vehicles, leaving the customers both financially and emotionally distressed.
Legal Action and Investigation
Following the complaint by Bholeshankar Kasturi and a subsequent preliminary investigation by the authorities, a formal case has been registered against Ganesh Panjwani and Anil Valecha. The charges have been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), indicating the seriousness of the alleged offenses.
Police are continuing their investigation into the matter, seeking to uncover further details about the scam and potentially recover the defrauded funds for the victims. This case highlights ongoing concerns about consumer fraud in the electric vehicle market, urging buyers to exercise caution and verify the credentials of sellers before making significant purchases.
