In a major breakthrough, North Goa Police have arrested a gang of fraudsters led by Manish Shashikant Ambekar (47), a habitual offender with 9 previous criminal cases in Maharashtra, for impersonating Muthoot Finance staff to rob a woman near Mapusa.
The case began with a complaint by Reshma Ogale, a resident of Punola, Ucassaim, Bardez. On January 21, 2025, around 4:35 PM, near the Muthoot Finance building in Mapusa, an unknown man posing as an employee promised her gold and convinced her to hand over Rs1,00,000. When she grew suspicious, the man used force and fled.
A special investigation team was promptly formed under PI Nikhil Palekar at Mapusa Police Station. After analyzing CCTV footage and suspect dossiers, the team arrested:
Manish Shashikant Ambekar (47) – Gang leader
Shivam Manish Ambekar (24)
Ravi Shreepati Chavan (42)
Karan Ravi Chavan (20)
Yash Ravi Chavan (20)
All are residents of Palaspe, Panvel, Raigad district, Maharashtra.
Police recovered Rs59,500 in cash, mobile handsets, and a Mahindra Bolero Jeep (MH-11-DD-2753) used in the crime. The recovery confirms their involvement, and further investigation is underway.
The swift action by the Mapusa police has been widely commended for cracking the case and curbing financial fraud in the region.
