Mumbai Crime: Businessman duped of Rs 25 lakh by 'NIA official'; 2 held

Photo for representational purpose

A Mumbai-based businessman was duped of Rs 25 lakh by two people, one of whom claimed to be the Deputy Commissioner of National Investigation Agency (NIA), in Lalbagh on Tuesday, said Kalachowki police.

The accused were identified as Rajesh Bansi Pawar and Vijay Singh alias Mahesh Pancharwala. They have been arrested and sent to judicial custody.

On Tuesday, the businessman, a resident of Avighna Park Tower in Curry Road, was passing through Bharatmata junction at Lalbagh. He halted as two two-wheelers parked horizontally blocked his path, said police. The accused then accosted the businessman.

"Pawar took the complainant's keys while Singh said he was a deputy commissioner of the NIA and had a complaint against him. The accused also threatened to raid the complainant's house and shop and file a case against the businessman if he doesn't pay him Rs 2 crore. After much hue and cry, the accused agreed to accept Rs 25 lakh," said an officer from Kalachowki station.

After realizing he has been cheated, the businessman filed a complaint. The accused were eventually arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"It is suspected that the accused cheated many people in this manner. We are investigating further," added the officer.