Mumbai crime: Police bust gang conning devotees for Dandiya event featuring Falguni Pathak

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Mumbai crime: The MHB police in Borivali has busted a gang and apprehended four individuals accused of deceiving devotees with promises of passes to a highly anticipated Dandiya event featuring the renowned Dandiya music queen, singer Falguni Pathak, in Mumbai's Chukiwadi. The victims were collectively defrauded of a total of Rs 5.14 lakh.

The accused operated by approaching people randomly, scouring various websites in search of passes to the much-awaited event featuring the Dandiya Queen. They successfully connected with a 20-year-old victim who was actively seeking these passes. Assurances were given to the victim, who subsequently created a WhatsApp group with friends eager to attend the event. In total, 160 passes were purchased, amounting to Rs 5.14 lakh being handed over to the accused.

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When the time came for the promised passes to be provided, the accused became unreachable by switching off their mobile phones. Frustrated and disheartened, the victim and his friends turned to the MHB police to file a formal complaint.

Under the guidance of DCP Ajaykumar Bansal and Senior Inspector Sudhir Kudalkar, PSI Dr. Deepak Hinde and the dedicated police staff launched an investigation that ultimately led to the apprehension of the four accused. The culprits were identified as Ashwin Ramakant Surve (24), Shripal Mukesh Bagdia (38), Sushil Rajaram Tirlotkar (30), and Santosh Bhagwat Gumbre (35).

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Described as the mastermind behind the operation, Tirlotkar conceived the plan approximately one and a half months ago. He acquired a mobile SIM card for initial contact, subsequently disconnecting it after deceiving unsuspecting devotees. To locate the accused, the police examined 6,000 mobile numbers, narrowing their focus to 36 numbers for further investigation. This effort led them to one caller who had utilized a number back in 2016, ultimately unveiling Tirlotkar and the other three conspirators.

All four accused come from well-settled and affluent family backgrounds. Surve is engaged in the hotel business, Bagdia owns an electric manufacturing company, Tirlotkar operates a tours and travel business, and Gumbre works as a BEST bus driver but is currently on sick leave due to a fractured leg.

The police has successfully seized mobile phones and an Innova car from the accused. All four individuals have been presented before the court and have been remanded into police custody, as confirmed by an officer from the MHB police station.