In a shocking case of impersonation and fraud, a Mumbai businessman was allegedly cheated of a staggering Rs 74 lakh by a man who posed as the personal assistant to the state's Chief Minister. The Santacruz police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and are investigating the elaborate con.
The Elaborate Setup of the Conman
The victim, a local businessman, had four cases pending against an individual at the Civil Court's Dindoshi section. In February, a distant relative introduced him to the accused, identified as V Thakur. Thakur offered to use his influence to help get court orders in the complainant's favour.
To build credibility, Thakur employed a multi-layered deception. He flashed an identity card claiming he was the personal assistant to the Chief Minister. He further alleged that his wife was an IPS officer serving as a deputy police commissioner. The accused boasted of high-level contacts and was seen moving around in a luxury vehicle fitted with a siren, accompanied by a bodyguard. This convincing display ultimately made the businessman believe in Thakur's authenticity and power.
The Financial Extortion and Threats
Capitalizing on this trust, Thakur demanded Rs 74 lakh from the complainant to secure favourable court orders. When the businessman expressed his inability to arrange such a large sum, Thakur resorted to threats. He warned that he would instead ensure the court orders were passed in favour of the opponent if the money was not paid.
Fearing the loss of his legal battles, the victim scrambled to arrange the funds. Between the months of April and October, he managed to pay the entire demanded amount. To raise this money, he was forced to mortgage his family's gold ornaments. Despite this massive payment, Thakur indicated he would demand an additional Rs 76 lakh at a later stage. He even sent a letter via speed post to the complainant, formally confirming his intent to assist in the court cases, thereby deepening the illusion.
The Unraveling of the Scam and Police Action
The scam began to unravel in December when the complainant chanced upon news reports detailing Thakur's involvement in other cheating cases. This revelation prompted him to try and contact Thakur, but the accused stopped answering his phone calls. Realizing he had been conned in a sophisticated fraud, the businessman finally approached the Santacruz police and filed a formal complaint.
The police have registered an FIR based on the complaint and a probe is currently underway. This incident highlights a brazen attempt to exploit the name and office of the state's highest executive authority to defraud citizens. It serves as a stern warning for the public to exercise extreme caution and verify the credentials of individuals making grand promises of influence, especially in legal matters.
