Pune Police Launch Manhunt for Pre-Owned Car Agent in Alleged Vehicle Theft Scam
The Hinjewadi police in Pune have initiated a search operation for a pre-owned cars agent who is accused of orchestrating a sophisticated vehicle theft scam. According to official reports, the agent allegedly deceived a 26-year-old driver from Wagholi by taking his car under the false pretense of purchasing it, only to abscond with the vehicle.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The victim, who had been actively trying to sell his car, was contacted by the accused, who presented himself as a reputable pre-owned-car dealer capable of securing a buyer. The meeting took place in Hinjewadi on February 27, where the agent inspected the vehicle and agreed to a purchase price of Rs 6.40 lakh.
Subsequently, the accused requested a test drive before making an advance payment. However, instead of returning, he drove away with the car and vanished. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to reach the agent, the victim filed a formal complaint with the Hinjewadi police on Saturday.
Legal Action and Investigation
The police have registered a case under section 316 (criminal breach of trust) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Assistant inspector Somnath Panchal is leading the investigation into this matter, which highlights growing concerns over fraudulent activities in the pre-owned vehicle market.
Separate Incident of Vehicle Rental Dispute
In a related development, a 32-year-old resident of Hinjewadi filed a complaint on Sunday regarding a rented car that was not returned. The complainant had listed his vehicle with a self-drive car rental service, through which a Solapur resident booked it for 15 days in January. Despite repeated follow-ups over two months, the car has not been returned, prompting police involvement.
An officer from the Hinjewadi police stated, "We have the name and address of the accused. Our investigation is ongoing", indicating that both cases are being pursued with diligence to address these vehicle-related frauds.
Broader Implications for Vehicle Transactions
These incidents underscore the risks associated with private vehicle sales and rentals, urging citizens to exercise caution and verify credentials before engaging in such transactions. The Pune police are emphasizing the importance of due diligence to prevent similar scams in the future.
