Conning people, on the pretext of a large percentage of profit sharing, has been one of the most prevalent modus operandi employed by conmen. Recently, Shil-Dayghar Police successfully arrested a team of conmen who used to dupe people on the pretext of giving them gold bars, leather materials at cheaper rates. Cops swung into action and arrested the accused after receiving a complaint of theft.
According to the police, complainant Nishad Ahmed Shaikh, 42, a resident of Kurla, got in touch with the accused indentified as Kamal, who promised him to provide pure leather at a cheaper rate than the current market value. On July 13, 2019, Kamal asked to meet the complainant at Hotel Shalu near Kalyan Phata, Thane, where the deal was supposed to take place. The complainant had handed over Rs. 2 lakhs to the accused in exchange for leather materials as per the deal. “After receiving the amount, the accused asked the complainant to go to his godown and get the leather materials directly. When the complainant reached the spot, he found nothing and realized he was duped. A case under Section 420 (Cheating and Dishonesty), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.) of the India Penal Code (IPC) was registered against the accused,” said a police officer attached to the investigation team.
“After registering the complaint, a team of police officers swung into action and started investigating the case. While investigating, we found that the accused constantly change their mobile number and location, due to which it became difficult to trace them at any particular spot. We later received success in tracing one of the accused, laid a trap and arrested both accused from their house,” said Jadhav, Senior Police Officer, Shil-Dayghar Police Station.
During interrogation, the cops found the modus operandi of their crime. “The accused used to contact the victim via social media and later promised to provide gold bars, leather materials, etc at cheaper rates. They used to give fake gold bars and fake currency notes to the victims and later flee away from the spot,” said Jadhav.
The arrested four accused are identified as Bhimraj Malika Arjun Malji aka Cheetan/Ketan, (31), a resident of Govandi; Pravin Sukhsagar Varma aka Kamal, (29), a resident of Mumbra; Malesh Shrimant Dinge aka Mallu (47) and Chawadapa Narshing Kalor (37) from Bhiwandi.
“All the accused are wanted at Turbe and Kharghar Police Stations under several Sections of the Indian Penal Code. Cops have successfully seized ten mobile phones, Rs 27,000 in cash, and 253 SIM cards which they used while executing the crime. Till the time of their arrest, they have duped people for more than Rs 1 crore. Investigation is on,” the officer added.
“We appeal to the people to not fall under such traps. If you feel something is fishy, you must immediately contact the local police station and inform them about the incident.”
