Bhojpuri Actress Akanksha Awasthi and Husband Face Mumbai Police FIR in ₹11.50 Crore Fraud Case
In a significant development, Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi and her husband Vivek Kumar, also known as Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan, have been formally booked by the Mumbai Police. The couple stands accused of allegedly cheating a Mumbai-based customs clearance agent out of a staggering sum of ₹11.50 crore. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the entertainment and business circles, involves elaborate promises linked to the film industry.
Complaint Details and Allegations
The complaint was lodged by Hitesh Kantilal Ajmera, a professional in the customs clearance business. Ajmera approached the Pantnagar police station, detailing how the couple allegedly ensnared him with grand assurances of substantial returns and influential connections within Bollywood and the broader film sector. Based on his detailed account, an FIR was registered on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, marking the official start of the police investigation.
According to the FIR, the complainant has made several serious allegations:
- The accused portrayed themselves as powerful and wealthy figures with deep-rooted links in the film world.
- Akanksha Awasthi claimed to own a film studio and an artist training center located in Andheri, Mumbai.
- Vivek Kumar allegedly asserted that he possessed ₹300 crore in cash, stored in a warehouse in Bettiah, Bihar, but that the funds were entangled in legal complications.
Modus Operandi and Financial Transactions
The victim, Hitesh Ajmera, was reportedly persuaded to invest based on promises that included studio ownership, personal fame, and a guaranteed return of ₹200 crore without any interest. To build trust, Kumar allegedly promised Ajmera this massive return within just four days if he assisted in unlocking the purported Bihar warehouse funds.
Between March and July 2024, the complainant allegedly transferred the entire ₹11.50 crore into various bank accounts provided by Akanksha Awasthi and Vivek Kumar. As part of the scheme, Ajmera was also taken to Patna and shown documents supposedly linked to the warehouse, further cementing the illusion of legitimacy.
The Disappearance and Ongoing Investigation
The situation took a dramatic turn on July 5, 2024. While traveling towards Bettiah, Vivek Kumar exited the vehicle under the pretext of buying sweets. According to the FIR, he never returned, and his phone was subsequently switched off, leaving the victim in the lurch. This disappearance prompted the victim to file the official complaint, leading to the current police action.
The Mumbai Police have now launched a thorough investigation into the case. Authorities are examining the financial trails, bank transactions, and the credibility of the claims made by the accused. The case highlights concerns over fraud schemes exploiting the allure of the entertainment industry for financial gain.
