Four Arrested in Elaborate Honey-Trap Scheme Targeting Mumbai Businessman
Mumbai's Aarey Police have successfully cracked a sophisticated honey-trap case, arresting four individuals including a woman who allegedly lured a 45-year-old businessman to a secluded part of Aarey Colony in Goregaon East and robbed him of his gold chain worth ₹5 lakh.
The Two-Month Long Deception
The victim, a businessman from Deonar, first encountered the accused woman identified as Saira when she visited his commercial establishment in the eastern suburbs. Posing as a representative from an agency that provides domestic helpers, Saira gradually built trust with the businessman over nearly two months of conversations.
On November 23, Saira proposed they go for an outing to Powai. After spending some time at a restaurant in Powai, she suggested they take a stroll through Aarey Colony, setting the stage for the planned robbery.
The Well-Executed Robbery
When the businessman attempted to hail a regular autorickshaw, Saira refused to travel by that vehicle. Soon after, another auto arrived which she suggested they board. Unbeknownst to the businessman, the auto driver was actually one of Saira's accomplices.
Upon reaching the backside of Aarey dairy, the businessman noticed two men waiting on a motorcycle. As they approached, the duo suddenly flung chilly powder into his eyes, causing intense pain and temporary blindness. In that vulnerable moment, the attackers snatched his gold chain worth ₹5 lakh and the entire group fled the scene.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The victim immediately lodged a police complaint, prompting an intensive investigation. Aarey Police teams scanned footage from 17 surveillance cameras to identify and trace the suspects.
In a surprising twist, Saira attempted to approach a police station in the eastern suburbs to file a false case against the businessman. However, Aarey Police were alerted and took her into custody.
Through meticulous investigation, police identified and arrested her three accomplices: Vishal Wagh (27), Namesh Surve (23), and Jehangir Qureshi (25). Police records reveal that Wagh has been previously booked in five separate cases by Dombivali police between 2019 and 2020, including theft and robbery offenses.
The case highlights the evolving nature of organized crime in Mumbai and serves as a cautionary tale for business professionals about maintaining vigilance in new relationships.
