In Thane district, Maharashtra, a businessman was allegedly duped of Rs50 lakh by Mukesh Pandey and Pallavi Raut, residents of Pune, who promised to supply cooking oil of a popular brand at reduced rates, officials said. The incident reportedly took place between August 2020 and May 2021.
According to the FIR registered on December 31, the accused approached the businessman in Ambernath, offering cooking oil at below-market rates and promising substantial profits from resale. Trusting their assurances, the complainant transferred Rs50 lakh in multiple instalments.
However, the promised consignment of cooking oil was never delivered. When the businessman sought the delivery or a refund, the accused allegedly avoided him and went incommunicado, prompting him to file a police complaint.
Authorities are currently attempting to trace Pandey and Raut. Police did not provide details on why the complaint was lodged after a gap of several years. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are examining the financial trail and potential accomplices.
