Pune Developers Duped of ₹25 Lakh in Bollywood-Style Con by Fake Cops in Chembur

In a dramatic daylight scam reminiscent of a Bollywood thriller, two Pune-based real estate developers lost ₹25 lakh in Mumbai’s Chembur after being conned by a gang posing as police officers. The criminals, armed with toy guns and batons, staged a fake police raid and fled with the cash. One suspect has been arrested, while five others remain at large.

According to the Nehru Nagar police, the arrested accused has been identified as Samir (surname withheld due to the ongoing investigation). The gang allegedly lured the victims using a fake money-doubling scheme before executing the staged raid.

Crime Details Resemble Earlier Fraud Cases

Senior Inspector Ankush Khedkar confirmed that the modus operandi matches previous fraud cases reported in both Pune and Mumbai. “This appears to be the work of seasoned fraudsters. CCTV footage and prior case records point to a repeat offender,” Khedkar said. “We have registered an FIR under Sections 318(4), 204, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and formed teams to track down the remaining suspects.”

How the Scam Unfolded

The complainants, 43-year-old S. Khambe and his business partner A. Karande, were introduced to one Pravin Mungse, who promised a contact in Mumbai could double their money in hours. Enticed by the offer, the duo collected ₹25 lakh—₹16.5 lakh from Khambe and ₹8.5 lakh from Karande—and drove to Mumbai on April 30.

They met Mungse and a second man, 58-year-old Dashrath Lohote, at Chembur railway station. From there, they proceeded to a location in Swastik Chembur, where another suspect, Mukund Jha, briefly joined them. The developers were instructed to wait until 4:30 PM for the deal to proceed.

At the appointed time, two men entered their SUV and directed them to a nearby office near the Pragati Building service road off the Eastern Express Highway, where the alleged ₹50 lakh payout was to occur.

Fake Cops Stage Raid and Escape with Cash

“As Khambe displayed the cash, four men posing as police officers stormed in with toy weapons, shouting and claiming they were conducting a raid,” said an officer from Nehru Nagar police. “They seized the money and told the victims to follow them to the police station, but sped away toward Thane instead.”

Khambe and Karande gave chase but soon lost track of the vehicle. Realizing they had been conned, the developers filed a complaint with the police.

Investigation Ongoing; Manhunt Launched for Remaining Accused

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and have launched a citywide search for the remaining suspects, believed to be from outside Mumbai. Authorities suspect the same gang may be linked to similar cons in the past.

“This was a premeditated operation with a clear plan,” said Inspector Khedkar. “We are confident the remaining accused will be apprehended soon.”