Daijiworld Media Network – Thane

Thane, Aug 26: A man from Kalyan in Thane district has been booked for allegedly duping a Nashik-based trader of Rs 1.44 cr on the pretext of securing a liquor shop licence in Navi Mumbai.

According to MFC police, the victim, a resident of Niphad in Nashik, along with his brother, paid the accused the amount in multiple instalments between July 2024 and January 2025. The accused had promised to facilitate the transfer of a liquor shop licence at Panvel in the victim’s name.

Police said that while the accused paid Rs 61 lakh to the liquor shop owner, he misappropriated the remaining Rs 83 lac and failed to transfer the licence. When the victim raised concerns, the accused issued several cheques as reimbursement, but all of them bounced.

Despite repeated demands, neither was the money returned nor was the licence transferred. Based on the victim’s complaint, an FIR was registered on August 23 under Section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

A detailed investigation is currently underway, officials added.