Pune: ATM Fraudster Targeting Senior Citizens Arrested, ₹14 Lakh Seized Along with 166 ATM Cards
Pune: ATM Fraudster Targeting Senior Citizens Arrested, ₹14 Lakh Seized Along with 166 ATM Cards
Pune, February 19: A notorious fraudster from Karnataka, who targeted senior citizens at ATMs under the pretext of offering assistance, has been arrested by Vishrambaug Police. The accused, identified as Raju Pralhad Kulkarni (54) from Alanahalli, Mysuru, Karnataka, was found to have cheated 21 senior citizens. The police recovered ₹14 lakh worth of assets, including a car, motorcycle, cash, and 166 ATM cards.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sandeep Singh Gill, Kulkarni would approach senior citizens at ATMs, pretending to help them withdraw cash. He would cleverly obtain their PINs and switch their cards with invalid ones. Using the stolen cards, he would withdraw money and flee the scene.
The investigation began after an incident at an ATM in Ganjave Chowk on February 2, where a senior citizen was duped. Technical surveillance led the police to identify Kulkarni, who had fled to Karnataka. A police team apprehended him from there.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Additional Commissioner of Police Praveenkumar Patil, DCP Sandeep Singh Gill, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sainath Thombre. Senior Inspector Vijaymala Pawar, Crime Branch Inspector Arun Ghodke, and their team played key roles in the arrest.
Kulkarni, who has committed 16 such crimes in areas including Bibwewadi, Sinhagad Road, Kothrud, Vishrantwadi, Shivajinagar, Sahakarnagar, and Alandi, spent the stolen money on leisure activities with a female companion, according to DCP Gill.
The police revealed that Kulkarni targeted senior citizens, particularly around the beginning of the month when pension amounts were deposited, closely monitoring ATM centers for potential victims.
