Fraud cases are on a disconcerting rise in Navi Mumbai. The newest case to hit Thane features a couple that, driven by greed, coaxed a man into parting with 23.38 lakh rupees under the pretense of a profitable business investment. The accused, husband and wife, are now the subjects of a police investigation after the victim lodged a complaint. Authorities are actively searching for the elusive pair.
Assistant Police Inspector Viththal Pisal shared that a complaint was lodged by the victim against Praveen Bajirao Kamble and his wife Sheetal Surendra Sontakke. They’d acquainted with the victim, with Praveen claiming to be a jailer at Mumbai Central Jail and privy to lucrative grocery business opportunities. Praveen lured the victim with promises of significant returns.
The victim, swayed by their promises, invested 34.25 lakh rupees. During this period, to maintain trust, the accused handed over 10.5 lakh rupees, which they claimed were profits. But when the victim tried to contact them after some time, their mobile phones were permanently switched off. Despite numerous attempts, the victim couldn't make any contact.
Following the silence, the victim approached the police station and filed a complaint against the couple. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against Praveen Bajirao Kamble and Sheetal Surendra Sontakke under section 420 (fraud) of the Indian Penal Code and related sections. Currently, both accused are absconding, but the police are gathering information through bank account details.
Farming Job Scam Defrauds Local Farmer of 15 Lakh
In Uran, Navi Mumbai, a couple has been charged with defrauding a local farmer of 15 lakh rupees in a job scam. They had promised the victim employment under the Central Petroleum Ministry o.Simple promises of securing a job in a PSU led the victim to part with 15.19 lakh rupees. When the harsh reality of being scammed dawned on him, the farmer sought police assistance.
Police lodged a case based on the complaint of the victim from Khed, Pune. The deceitful transactions occurred between May 2022 and March 2024. After collecting the money, the accused couple severed all contact with the victim, even shifting their hideout. Despite multiple raids in various locations, the police have yet to apprehend them.
