Fake lottery racket busted, gang nabbed

Residents were taken in by the initial distribution of free furniture and utensils. But when it came to giving away some of the more expensive items like scooters, television sets and refrigerators, the lottery owners would develop cold feet and make excuses.

It was one such empty promise that nabbed them in the end. The gang announced that the winner of a lottery would be given a Maruti van.

However, when Shirol resident Kailas Vishwanath Nikale did win and demanded, rightfully, the van, the operators started making excuses. They also allegedly threatened him, which prompted him to lodge a complaint with the Shahapur police. The police promptly nabbed the gang.

Among those held include Nasik resident and chairperson of Deeplaxmi Lottery Dilip Chimaji Borade, Kasara resident Namdeo Shinde and Vishale resident Santosh Maruti Kedar.

“In a few instances in the beginning, they managed to convince people that the prizes due to them were being awarded to some one else by mistake by blaming it on printing mistakes,”said Kasara resident Bhaurao Patil. Patil had once won a Bajaj Sunny scooter, but was refused the same due to “a printing mistake.”

The police team comprising sub-inspector N Karad, Pawar, Wakde and Agivle is continuing investigations into the case to establish the total amount amassed by the gang from the lottery.