A 25-year-old auto-rickshaw driver from Navi Mumbai, who is a Project Affected Person (PAP) from Morave village in Ulwe node, Panvel taluka, fell victim to a massive online gaming scam, losing Rs 1.3 crore. The amount was the proceeds from selling his Cidco-allotted plot in Ulwe under the 12.5% compensation scheme.
Details of the Scam
Between March 2024 and April 2026, the driver gradually invested the entire amount by placing bets on card games, casino, and other online games on the platform 'KheloStar'. Initially, he was able to withdraw some profits, which built his trust. However, when he tried to withdraw larger sums, the platform blocked his access, and he realized he had been cheated.
Complaint and Investigation
On Monday, he lodged a complaint at the Navi Mumbai cyber police station. An FIR was registered against an unidentified gang, including the platform's director, manager, customer care representatives, the app link creator, and bank account holders who received the money. They were booked under BNS sections for cheating, criminal breach of trust, common intention, and provisions of the IT Act and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act.
Senior Inspector Vishal Patil stated that the complainant sold his Cidco-allotted PAP plot and transferred the money to different bank accounts provided in the app. The police are investigating the case.
