A shocking financial fraud has been uncovered where a woman was defrauded of Rs1.04 crore after being promised an 18% return on investment by a couple, leading to a police investigation in Baner. The accused have been identified as Shivaji Shinde and Priyanka Shinde, residents of DSK Vidyanagari and Datt Mandir Road respectively. The complaint was filed by Smita Ambarish Joshi, a 42-year-old woman from Vishalnagar, Pimple Nilakh.
According to the police report, the accused had befriended Smita in 2022 and, gaining her trust, convinced her to invest in a company offering high returns. They promised an 18% return on her investment, which led Smita to transfer a total of Rs1.24 crore through both online and cash payments.
Furthermore, the accused allegedly sold 13 tolas (around 150 grams) of Smita’s gold, amounting to Rs6.84 lakh, and took her Rs60,000 laptop, assuring her it would be returned within two days. However, they never returned the laptop, nor did they refund the remaining amount of Rs1.04 crore.
Out of the total Rs1.31 crore transferred, Smita received only ₹27.63 lakh, leaving her with a significant financial loss. Upon learning of the fraud, Smita lodged a complaint with the Baner Police Station, and a case was registered under financial fraud charges.
PSI Chalke is currently investigating the matter. Authorities are in the process of tracking down the accused, and further details regarding their involvement in other potential scams are expected to emerge.
