Frauds pose as Fadnavis’s PA, dupe washerman of ₹15L

MUMBAI: Two individuals were arrested for allegedly cheating a washerman to the tune of ₹15 lakh by posing as personal assistant (PA) to deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis under the guise of getting his work done by using their personal influence. When the victim found out that his work was not getting done, he visited Sagar Bungalow – the officials’ residence of the deputy chief minister in Malabar Hill and found out that no such person worked in Fadnavis’ office.

The police said the arrested accused are identified as Suhas Mahadik, 39, a hawker and resident of Jacob Circle, and Kiran Patil, 50, a real-estate agent from Titwala East. The police said the complainant was Mallesh Kalluri, 46, a resident of Jacob Circle, Saat Rasta.

The complainant was embroiled in disputes with his neighbours over the use of the Dhobi Ghat for washing clothes, as well as with the chairman of the housing society. Upon learning about the property’s redevelopment plans by the SRA, the complainant’s involvement extended to challenging the election and appointment of the Dhobi Ghat’s chairman at the registrar’s office.

In the midst of these conflicts, the complainant discussed the matter with a neighbour, during which Mahadik approached him. Mahadik claimed to have connections through a personal assistant of Fadnavis and offered to assist in forming the society for the slum scheme.

“They then met Patil, who posed as the PA to Fadnavis, with the help of Mahadik near the Air India building in Nariman Point. Patil was carrying an identity card and a strap that had ‘Mantralaya’ written on it. Patil after hearing them said he would require ₹35 lakh to get the work done and after preliminary talks took ₹15 lakh as the first instalment,” said the police officer.

After taking ₹15 lakh, he called them to meet him in Mantralaya and when they went to Mantralaya, he asked them to wait but did not come. That was when the complainant directly went to Sagar Bungalow and enquired about Patil and was informed that no such person worked in the office of the deputy chief minister.

“He then approached us. Based on his complaint, we have registered a case under sections 170 (personating a public servant), 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), and 34 (common intention) of the IPC. We first arrested Mahadik and then picked up Patil from his residence in Titwala,” said a police officer from Marine Drive police station.

After taking ₹15L, the frauds called the victim to Mantralaya but they did not turn up. The victim then went to Sagar bungalow and found out he was cheated POILCE OFFICER