Pune Police Launch Manhunt for Father-Son Duo in Rs 51 Lakh Bus Scam
In a shocking case of financial fraud, the Chikhali police in Pune have initiated a search for a father-and-son duo accused of duping a local fabricator of a staggering Rs 51 lakh. The elaborate scam, which unfolded over the past year, involved the sale of four buses using counterfeit Regional Transport Office (RTO) documents, leaving the victim financially devastated and his travel business dreams shattered.
Details of the Elaborate Fraud Scheme
The complainant, a 50-year-old fabricator from Pune, had aspirations to venture into the travel industry by starting his own business. In 2023, the suspects approached him with an offer that seemed too good to refuse—they claimed to own four buses and were willing to sell them. To gain his trust, the accused presented what appeared to be legitimate RTO registration certificates and other official paperwork, convincing the victim of their authenticity.
Over the course of 2023 and 2024, the fabricator transferred a total of Rs 51 lakh to the duo through a combination of cash payments and online transactions. However, as months passed without receiving the promised buses, the victim grew increasingly anxious and began pursuing the suspects for delivery or a refund.
Victim's Discovery and Police Complaint
The accused consistently avoided the victim by citing various excuses and delays, which eventually raised red flags. Suspicious of foul play, the complainant decided to verify the documents he had been provided. To his horror, he discovered that the RTO certificates were duplicates—forged copies designed to mimic genuine paperwork.
"Despite repeated follow-ups, when he did not get his money, the victim approached the police and lodged a complaint," stated an officer from the Chikhali police station. The fabricator filed an official complaint on Wednesday, detailing the entire ordeal and providing evidence of the fraudulent transactions.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Implications
Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to track down the father-son duo and bring them to justice. The case highlights several critical issues:
- The vulnerability of individuals seeking to invest in new business ventures without proper due diligence.
- The sophistication of fraud schemes involving forged government documents.
- The importance of verifying RTO and other official paperwork through legitimate channels before making large financial commitments.
Police are urging the public to exercise caution when engaging in high-value transactions, especially those involving vehicles or property. They recommend cross-checking documents with relevant authorities and avoiding cash payments for such deals to ensure traceability.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with business investments and the need for heightened vigilance against financial scams in today's economy.
