Mumbai Businessman Duped of ₹33.5 Lakh on Promise of Medical Seat; Separate ₹70 Lakh Gold Fraud Reported in Thane

Mumbai / Thane | Undercover Editor News Agency

Mumbai Police have registered a case against two individuals from Chennai for allegedly cheating a city-based businessman of ₹33.5 lakh, promising him a medical college seat for his daughter. The FIR was filed at the complainant’s nearest police station after nearly three years of waiting and repeated false assurances, officials confirmed.

Medical Seat Scam: Accused Take ₹33.5 Lakh, No Admission Provided

According to the FIR, the complainant’s daughter had appeared for her Class 12 examinations three years ago and later attempted the NEET 2022 entrance test. However, she could not secure admission to any medical college in Maharashtra due to low scores.

Through relatives, the businessman came into contact with the accused — Rocky Savio and Stephen Duxter, both residents of Chennai. They allegedly assured him that they could arrange admission in a reputed medical college in Chennai, quoting a total cost of ₹33.5 lakh.

Trusting their promise, the complainant transferred the entire amount. But despite several months of waiting, no admission letter or confirmation arrived. The accused allegedly continued giving misleading or evasive replies, raising suspicion. Following a preliminary inquiry, police registered a case of cheating, though no arrests have been made yet.

Authorities added that the investigation is underway to trace the money trail and verify the role of both suspects.

Separate Case: Thane Jeweller Cheated of ₹70 Lakh; Three Persons Booked

In a second cheating case, the Thane Police have booked a couple and an accomplice for allegedly duping a Dombivli-based jeweller of nearly ₹70 lakh worth of gold ornaments.

The accused reportedly built trust over several months by purchasing small quantities of gold and making timely payments. After gaining confidence, they allegedly bought gold ornaments worth ₹70 lakh across three transactions in October — but failed to pay thereafter.

When the jeweller repeatedly demanded payment, the accused allegedly abused and threatened him, according to the police.

Based on the complaint filed on 5 December, a case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:

• 318(4) – Cheating
• 314 – Dishonest misappropriation of property
• 352 – Intentional insult
• 351(2) – Criminal intimidation
• 3(5) – Common intention

The investigation is currently in progress, and no arrests have been reported so far.

Growing Trend of Financial Frauds

Both cases highlight the rising trend of targeted financial scams — from admission rackets to gold purchase frauds — exploiting trust, urgency, and loopholes in verification mechanisms. Police have urged the public to remain cautious and verify credentials before making large financial commitments.