Mumbai: A garment dealer from Wadala has been defrauded of Rs1 lakh in new currency and Rs20 lakh in demonetised notes through a deceptive exchange scheme. Nafeez Haji Ali Khan (54) discovered the old currency in 2023, following his son’s death, who had kept it from his business but couldn’t exchange it after the 2016 demonetisation. The Powai police confirmed that Khan became aware of the stored demonetised money only after his son passed away.
On Friday, Khan registered a complaint at Powai police station against three individuals after discovering he was deceived when fraudsters staged an arrest scene. A person pretending to be a police officer took custody of the individual carrying the currency bags and drove away.
“Khan, experiencing business difficulties, sought to exchange the demonetised money to address his financial challenges. We have located the vehicle used in the crime and are investigating who hired it,” stated a Powai police station officer.
During his business struggles, Khan was approached by Intezar Kazi and Kalim Shaikh in February, claiming they knew someone who could facilitate the currency exchange. Khan’s complaint states: “Later, I was called by one Jatin and told men that I will get Rs10 lakh against Rs20 lakh demonetised currency. I was also asked to pay Rs1 lakh commission separately. On Mar 19, I was asked to come near Hiranandani Gardens in Powai with the currency in a school bag. I reached the location at 3.30pm where a person ‘Ganesh’ approached me and asked for the bag.”
After Khan handed over the money, a car suddenly appeared. “A man stepped out of the car identifying himself as cop and forcefully took Ganesh into the car before speeding away. I repeatedly called Jatin after the man fled away with the cash bag. But he gave excuses. I got suspicious and informed about the incident to people known to me who informed that Jatin is no other than Ehsan Ansari, who is involved in such type of fraud,” Khan stated in the FIR.
The Powai police investigation traced the vehicle using the registration number Khan recorded.
The authorities have filed a case against three individuals under BNS sections for impersonation and cheating.