Mumbai: A doctor was allegedly duped by a businessman to the tune of Rs1 crore at the behest of getting donors for his hospital as well as a plot at Pune at reasonable rates. After the doctor paid a token money of Rs1 crore for the land, the accused businessman, Ashok Biyani, said the deal isn’t working out and would return the amount.
Years later when Biyani denied to repay the full amount, he was booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for cheating by Byculla Police. In June 2017, the complainant, Dr Ramesh Kagzi was approached by Biyani, who was accompanying a friend. A police official said, Biyani claimed to be a relative of Big Bazaar group head, Kishore Biyani.
He was evidently impressed by the work Kagzi had done in the medical field and could get famous personalities to invest in his hospital. To officiate their verbal contract, Biyani visited Kagzi’s office and told him about a plot in Pune, which was up for grabs at an affordable rate. “Biyani told the complainant that the plot was in demand and many people were eyeing the property.
As a token to reserve the property, Kagzi was asked to pay Rs1 crore in cash to Biyani’s friend, Rahul Rajurkar. The next day, Rajurkar called Kagzi and said the deal was off and he would refund the token amount, but never stuck to his word and failed to pay,” said an officer.
When Kagzi approached Biyani to recover the money, the latter said Rajurkar had flown to Singapore and is not expected to return anytime soon. Months passed but Rajurkar failed to return, which instigated Kagzi to ask Biyani for an update repeatedly.
“Kagzi then forced Biyani to pay Rs1 lakh in four installments and took a cheque from him. However, the cheques bounced and Biyani never paid, which compelled Kagzi to approach the police. We have registered a case and are awaiting Rajurkar’s return, following which appropriate action will be initiated,” said the police officer.
