Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 16: The Navi Mumbai police have launched a manhunt for a gang accused of cheating a Sangli-based businessman of Rs 13.25 lakh under the pretext of selling gold at discounted rates, officials said.

The incident occurred on January 6 near Sector 20, Kharghar. The 56-year-old complainant stated that three men — identified as Ashish, Vicky, and Raju — lured him with a promise of gold at a 5% discount. They persuaded him to bring cash for an initial 100-gram transaction.

According to the police, after arriving in Navi Mumbai, one of the accused suggested going to their “office” for the deal. However, a white Ertiga intercepted them, and five to six men posing as policemen emerged, snatching the businessman’s bag containing the cash. The accused then fled along with the person escorting the businessman.

A case has been registered at Kharghar police station, and a probe is underway to track down the fraudsters, confirmed Senior Inspector Ajay Pandurang Kamble.

Authorities have appealed to the public to provide any information that could help in apprehending the gang.