A 32-year-old businessman from Malad West seeking a Rs 10 lakh loan through the Khatabook app lost around Rs 32 lakh to fraudsters. The accused repeatedly demanded fees under various pretenses before the victim realized the scam and lodged a complaint with the North Cyber police station.
Acting swiftly, police traced and arrested Vikas Kumar, 20, from Shahbad Dairy in North West Delhi on September 18, with assistance from local police. After a medical exam, he was presented before court, and police requested a two-day transit remand to bring him to Mumbai for further investigation.
The complainant runs a small imitation jewellery packing unit and downloaded the Khatabook app in June 2025 to apply for a loan. He soon received calls from fraudsters posing as loan agents promising loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana scheme.
The scammers, using names like Nitin Kumar, Ashwini Kumar, and Dayashankar Mishra, obtained the victim’s Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details via WhatsApp. They sent fake loan approval messages and extorted money for fees such as TDS, NOC, loan insurance, GST, and processing charges.
Between June 9 and August 7, the businessman transferred Rs 32.9 lakh to various accounts given by the fraudsters. When no loan was disbursed and money wasn’t returned, he filed a complaint through the Cyber Helpline (1930).
Under the leadership of DCP Dattatray Karale, Police Inspector Kiran Aher and API Sanjay Pawar of North Cyber launched an investigation, tracing the accused to Delhi. Technical analysis revealed Rs 19.79 lakh was transferred to an Axis Bank account held by Vikas Kumar, confirming his role. Vikas frequently used multiple mobile numbers and impersonated “Dayashankar Mishra” while coordinating the fraud.
Further investigation showed Vikas is unemployed and married. He collaborated with cyber fraudsters to make quick money by opening dozens of bank accounts used for illegal transactions. Many accounts have been frozen, and police are working with banks to gather transaction details. The investigation suggests others may also be involved in the scam.
