Police have taken a man into custody in Maharashtra’s Beed district for allegedly cheating several women by posing as a government officer and promising them benefits under various welfare schemes.
The accused, identified as Gorakshanath Navnath Panhalkar, allegedly deceived victims by introducing himself as “Jadhav Saheb” from the Social Welfare Department. Authorities said he falsely claimed he could help them receive benefits and materials under government schemes.
According to investigators, Panhalkar collected around Rs2,500 from each victim, claiming the money was required as transportation charges for delivering items sanctioned under the schemes.
Instead of asking victims to transfer money directly to his bank account, the accused reportedly used a different method to avoid suspicion. Police said he asked the women to scan QR codes linked to bars or pan shops, where the payments were routed.
Officials believe the accused used the money he collected from the victims to support his alcohol addiction.
The case came to light after a woman filed a complaint at the Amalner Police Station. Following the complaint, police launched an investigation and traced the accused to Jalna, where he was arrested.
Police said further investigation is underway to determine how many victims were cheated and whether the accused was involved in similar fraud cases elsewhere.
