Mumbai Conman Arrested After Seven-Month Manhunt, Released Over Police Error
A 42-year-old man, facing approximately 32 registered cases of cheating, forgery, impersonation, and cheque bounce in Mumbai and Bengaluru, was apprehended on Friday from Wadala, Mumbai, following an intensive seven-month pursuit. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the court ordered his immediate release, citing the arrest as illegal due to the Bandra police's failure to provide proper grounds before taking him into custody.
Modus Operandi Targeting Vulnerable Women
The accused, identified as Mehul Patel, employed a calculated strategy focused on divorcees and widows with substantial financial resources. His method involved luring victims with affectionate conversations, honey-trapping them under the guise of marriage, and subsequently defrauding them of significant sums. The latest victim is a pilot who was deceived out of Rs 50 lakh after Patel promised marriage and lucrative business opportunities.
Patel's arrest stemmed from a case filed at the Bandra police station by a single woman. He allegedly created a profile on a marriage portal and connected with the complainant via social media in September 2023, presenting himself as a prosperous businessman. Gaining her trust, he pledged to marry her post-divorce and convinced both her and her father to invest in his purported business ventures.
Financial Deception and Legal Manipulation
In January 2024, the complainant issued a cheque for Rs 50 lakh to Patel, who claimed an urgent need for business capital. Patel further manipulated her into signing documents, ostensibly for formalities, which were later revealed to be loan agreements. He additionally extracted Rs 3 lakh in cash under false pretenses, such as legal fees and school expenses.
When the victim requested her money back for her father's medical treatment, Patel returned only Rs 9 lakh and refused to repay the remaining Rs 44 lakh. Investigations uncovered that Patel had previously served 14 months in jail, relocated to Bengaluru after release, and then absconded. The complainant also discovered he had allegedly defrauded multiple other women using similar promises of marriage.
Victims' Anguish Over Procedural Lapse
Two victims who attended the remand hearing were left shattered by the court's decision to release Patel. Advocate Akshita Prajapati highlighted their distress, noting the extensive efforts made to track him down and inform the police, which ultimately led to his arrest. One victim expressed frustration, stating, "We had taken so much effort to trace him and inform police, leading to his arrest, but a small procedural lapse by police led to his release."
This incident underscores critical issues in law enforcement procedures, where technical errors can compromise justice for victims of serious fraud. The case continues to draw attention to the vulnerabilities exploited by con artists in urban settings like Mumbai.
