Mumbai: The Gamdevi Police have arrested a 46-year-old man for allegedly impersonating a government official and defrauding a local grocery store owner of Rs 6.5 lakh under the pretext of helping him secure a government tender.
The accused, Pravin Tanaji Rade, was arrested from his residence New Pournima Apartment, near Jaslok Hospital, Pedder Road, with the assistance of the local detection staff. He was taken into custody on August 6.
Accused Posed as PA to Deputy Secretary at Mantralaya
According to the complaint filed by Narendra Kumar Nagbhushan Manchikanti (47), a grocery shop owner residing at Park Way, Bhalchandra Road, Matunga East, the accused had introduced himself as the Personal Assistant (PA) to a Deputy Secretary in the Maharashtra State Secretariat (Mantralaya).
Used Car with Amber Beacon to Appear Credible
To gain the complainant’s trust, Rade reportedly showed him an Innova car with an amber beacon mounted on the dashboard, claiming it was allotted to him by the government for official use.
Promised Tender in Exchange for ₹10 Lakh Processing Fee
Rade allegedly told the complainant that he could help him win a tender at Mantralaya, but for that, he needed Rs 10 lakh as processing charges. Believing his story, the complainant transferred the amount online.
Also Watch:
Only ₹3.5 Lakh Returned; Victim Files Complaint
However, only Rs 3.5 lakh was ever returned, and the remaining Rs 6.5 lakh was never recovered, leading the victim to file a complaint at Gamdevi Police Station. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
