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This is an archive article published on May 28, 2024
In attempt to double money, lawyer duped of Rs 25L; case filed
"During the meeting, Deva had informed Gandhi's driver about a scheme to double his money. Deva stayed in touch with the driver, insisting on the scheme's legitimacy," an officer said.
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On May 26, the complainant, along with his wife and their driver, came to Mumbai with the money. They handed Deva a bag containing Rs 25 lakh, after which Deva handed him another bag.
A 55-year-old lawyer from Baramati has lodged a complaint with the Parksite police station after allegedly being duped of Rs 25 lakh under the pretext of doubling his money.
According to the complainant Popat Gandhi, he came into contact with one of the suspects, identified as Deva, a few years ago. Gandhi met Deva during one of his visits to Mumbai and again later in Baramati.
“During the meeting, Deva had informed Gandhi’s driver about a scheme to double his money. Deva stayed in touch with the driver, insisting on the scheme’s legitimacy,” an officer said.
The driver later informed Gandhi about the scheme, which led them to contact Deva on May 18. Both of them showed interest in the offer and the complainant was told he would need to invest between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.
On May 26, the complainant, along with his wife and their driver, came to Mumbai with the money. They handed Deva a bag containing Rs 25 lakh, after which Deva handed him another bag.
As they were getting into the car, Deva asked Gandhi to place the bag safely in the trunk. “He followed the instruction and Deva’s accomplice dropped them off near their vehicle in Ghatkopar. The accused told them he had opened the trunk and asked them to retrieve their bag. As soon as they got off, he escaped with the cash,” said a police official.
Gandhi attempted to chase the accomplice in a rickshaw but failed to recover the money. The incident came to light when Gandhi contacted Deva and informed him about the theft. “Deva alleged he would contact the driver (his accomplice) to retrieve the money, but then switched off his phone,” said an officer.
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Gandhi subsequently reported the matter to Parksite police station, where a case of cheating and impersonation was registered.
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