Gurgaon Police Crack Down on Interstate Conman Gang, ED to Investigate Assets
In a significant breakthrough, Gurgaon police have dismantled an interstate gang masterminded by a seasoned conman who has been defrauding individuals for over two decades. The gang specifically targeted affluent victims, including notable figures from Bollywood. Authorities are now preparing to formally engage the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to scrutinize the earnings and assets of the alleged kingpin, suspected to be derived from criminal activities.
High-Profile Victims and Arrests
The accused, identified as Solanki Prabhubhai Gulshanbhai, also known as Kaplesh, has a history of duping high-profile individuals. He previously cheated actor Aditya Pancholi of Rs 20 lakh and the personal assistant of Salim Khan, father of actor Salman Khan, out of Rs 25 lakh. Solanki was recently arrested by local police for allegedly swindling an exporter of Rs 2.5 crore and approximately 50 tolas of gold using counterfeit coins.
According to police reports, Solanki leads an opulent lifestyle and owns multiple properties, raising suspicions that these assets were acquired through illicit means. The investigation will involve the ED to verify the origins of his wealth and ensure a comprehensive probe into his financial dealings.
Modus Operandi of the Gang
The gang, consisting of four to five accomplices including two women, operated with a sophisticated scheme. On February 13, while traveling to Mumbai in an Innova Crysta, they spotted a victim repairing his Audi on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway near Pachgaon Chowk. Sensing an opportunity, Solanki parked at a distance, and the gang approached the victim dressed in ragged clothing.
They pretended to have unearthed a treasure of gold coins during an excavation and sought to dispose of it quickly. One woman acted as Solanki's sister, while others posed as colleagues. To build trust, they initially handed over genuine coins, which the businessman verified. After repeated interactions, they struck a deal for a larger quantity, offering it at Rs 25–30 lakh per kilogram and luring the victim with promises of high profits.
Unfortunately, the exporter purchased mostly fake coins, resulting in a loss of Rs 2.5 crore and gold. He had borrowed heavily from relatives and friends, even parting with ancestral jewelry, in the belief he was securing a bargain treasure trove.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Solanki and three of his aides were arrested earlier this week. The two women involved were apprehended by Rajasthan Police in a separate cheating case and are currently held in Kota jail. They will be brought to Gurgaon on a production warrant for further questioning.
The latest case was registered at Sushant Lok police station on April 1, following the exporter's complaint. Police revealed that the gang conducted reconnaissance along highways, targeting individuals with luxury cars, especially those stranded or repairing vehicles. Solanki would pose as a laborer or JCB operator, claiming to have found gold coins during excavations near railway lines or construction sites but unable to sell them openly due to fear of police action.
Lavish Lifestyle and Diversified Ventures
Using proceeds from his crimes, Solanki allegedly built substantial assets. He purchased a hotel on the Delhi-Mumbai highway near Karjan in Gujarat about four years ago. Additionally, he ventured into the film industry by producing a Gujarati film titled 'Love You', investing over Rs 1 crore. One of his wives starred as the lead actress, and actor Rajpal Yadav was also part of the project.
In an attempt to gain political influence, Solanki fielded one of his wives as a candidate in municipal elections. Police sources confirmed that they will formally communicate with the ED to evaluate his assets and investments, ensuring a thorough investigation into his multifaceted criminal empire.
This case underscores the persistent threat of organized fraud and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling such crimes. The involvement of the ED highlights the seriousness with which authorities are addressing the financial dimensions of this interstate con operation.
