In a shocking development from the entertainment world, Mumbai Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against popular Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi and her husband, Vivek Kumar, also known as Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan. The couple stands accused of orchestrating a sophisticated financial fraud, allegedly duping a Mumbai-based customs clearance agent of a staggering sum of Rs 11.50 crore.
Complaint Details the Alleged Deception
The case was initiated based on a formal complaint filed by Hitesh Kantilal Ajmera, who operates a customs clearance business in Mumbai. According to the FIR registered at the Pantnagar police station on Wednesday, January 28, the complainant detailed how he was systematically misled by the accused pair.
False Promises of Film Industry Influence
Ajmera's complaint alleges that Akanksha Awasthi and Vivek Kumar presented themselves as highly influential figures within the Indian film fraternity. They reportedly boasted of immense personal wealth and powerful connections, with the actress specifically claiming ownership of a film studio and an artists' training center located in the Andheri area of Mumbai.
Enticing Investment with Grandiose Returns
The complainant further stated that he was persuaded to invest substantial funds after being promised extraordinary returns. The couple allegedly guaranteed him ownership stakes in film ventures, widespread fame, and a monumental return of Rs 200 crore, all purportedly without any interest charges. To bolster their credibility, Vivek Kumar is said to have claimed possession of Rs 300 crore in cash, which he asserted was stored in a warehouse in Bettiah, Bihar, but was temporarily inaccessible due to legal entanglements.
Kumar reportedly assured Ajmera that if he assisted in releasing these frozen funds, he would receive the promised Rs 200 crore within a mere four days.
Massive Financial Transfers and a Suspicious Disappearance
Acting on these assurances, the complainant allegedly transferred a total of Rs 11.50 crore to multiple bank accounts provided by the accused between March and July 2024. As part of the elaborate scheme, he was also reportedly taken to Patna, where he was shown documents supposedly related to the aforementioned warehouse in Bettiah.
The Mysterious Vanishing Act
The situation took a dramatic turn on July 5, 2024. According to the FIR, while the complainant and Vivek Kumar were traveling towards Bettiah, Kumar exited the vehicle under the pretext of purchasing sweets. He subsequently failed to return, and attempts to contact him proved futile as his mobile phone was found to be switched off. This disappearance marked a critical point, leading the complainant to approach the authorities.
Police Investigation Underway
The Pantnagar police have officially registered the case and have launched a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. The charges revolve around cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy. Authorities are now scrutinizing the financial transactions and the claims made by the accused to unravel the full extent of the alleged fraud.
This case highlights concerns about financial scams leveraging the allure of the entertainment industry, prompting calls for greater vigilance among investors.
