Ahmedabad Businessman Duped of Rs 10 Lakh in Elaborate Travel Scam
In a distressing case of fraud, a 47-year-old businessman from Ahmedabad has been cheated out of Rs 10 lakh by a travel firm that promised lucrative foreign trips. The victim, Kunal Parikh, who operates an industrial lubricant business near Raipur Darwaza and resides in the Anandnagar area, filed an official police complaint on Monday, exposing a scheme that has ensnared several other customers.
How the Scam Unfolded: From Instagram Ad to Locked Office
The incident began in early January when Parikh encountered an advertisement on Instagram posted by a company called Trip Saathi Tours and Travels. The ad promoted attractively priced international travel packages, catching Parikh's attention. He contacted the number provided and was introduced to a man identified as Rahil Pankhaniya, who claimed to be the owner of the firm.
Pankhaniya directed Parikh to the company's office at Shivalik Shilp-2 in the Satellite area of Ahmedabad. During a meeting on January 5, Pankhaniya allegedly offered an eight-night, nine-day Vietnam package for Parikh's elderly parents at a cost of Rs 2.74 lakh. He assured that hotel and flight bookings would be confirmed upon payment.
Payments Made, Promises Broken
Trusting the offer, Parikh transferred Rs 1 lakh via NEFT on January 8, followed by another Rs 1 lakh on January 16. However, when he attempted to pay the remaining balance, Pankhaniya's phone was switched off, and the office was found locked. Upon arrival, Parikh discovered other customers waiting outside with similar grievances, indicating a broader pattern of deception.
Multiple Victims Come Forward with Substantial Losses
Police investigations have revealed that Parikh is not alone in this ordeal. Other complainants include:
- Parth Kakkad, who allegedly paid Rs 1.23 lakh for a Dubai package.
- Forum Shah, who paid Rs 3.12 lakh for unspecified travel services.
- Manish Sajwani, who paid Rs 3.96 lakh, also for promised international trips.
None of these individuals were sent abroad as promised, and their money has not been refunded. The total reported losses from these cases alone exceed Rs 10 lakh, highlighting the scale of the alleged fraud.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
The Satellite police have registered a formal case under charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust against Rahil Pankhaniya. Authorities have launched a comprehensive probe to locate the accused and investigate the operations of Trip Saathi Tours and Travels. This case underscores the risks associated with online travel offers and the importance of verifying company credentials before making substantial payments.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for consumers, especially in the digital age where social media advertisements can mask fraudulent schemes. Victims are urged to report such incidents promptly to law enforcement to prevent further losses.
