Thane Cyber Fraud: Fake CBI Officers Con Dombivli Employee Out Of ₹71.10 Lakh; Wife’s Alertness Busts Scam

Dombivli, April 3: In a major cyber fraud case, two impostors posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers allegedly cheated a Dombivli-based employee of Rs 71.10 lakh by fabricating a criminal investigation and threatening legal action. The scam was eventually exposed due to the timely alertness of the victim’s wife.

Complaint filed against accused

The victim, Mahesh Manohar Agarkar, a private company employee residing in Pandurangwadi, Dombivli East, lodged a complaint against the accused, identified as Sandeep Kumar Rao and Karan Sharma. A case of cheating has been registered against them.

Fraud began with fake TRAI call

According to the complaint, the fraud began in the first week of March when Agarkar received a call from a person claiming to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

The caller alleged that objectionable messages had been sent from Agarkar’s mobile number to multiple women and that a complaint had been registered at Ghatkopar Police Station. He further claimed that the case was under CBI investigation and warned that Agarkar’s mobile phone would be seized.

Subsequently, Sandeep Kumar Rao contacted Agarkar, accusing him of financial irregularities in his bank transactions. Soon after, Karan Sharma joined the conversation, alleging that Agarkar had received illegal commissions from banks. To intensify pressure, the duo sent forged documents, including fake Supreme Court orders.

Money extorted under pretext of settlement

Under the pretext of “settling” the case, the accused demanded payments in phases — Rs 7 lakh, Rs 9 lakh, and Rs 54 lakh — assuring that the money would be refunded later. Out of fear, Agarkar transferred a total of Rs 71,10,000 to the accounts provided by the fraudsters.

The fraud came to light when Agarkar informed his wife. Sensing something suspicious, she questioned the accused, who failed to provide convincing responses. Upon verification, the documents were found to be fake.

Police investigation and arrests

Acting on the complaint, police initiated an investigation and are currently tracking the accused and the financial trail.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Subhash Hemade stated that the case has been registered at Tilak Nagar Police Station. During the investigation, police detained one accused and are currently interrogating him. He added that more accused may be involved in the case, and further arrests are likely.

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Police advisory to citizens

Police have urged citizens to remain cautious, verify such claims thoroughly, and avoid transferring money under pressure in the name of law enforcement agencies.

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