Mumbai Man Cheated of Rs 15 Lakh by Fake PA of Deputy CM Fadnavis

In a recent incident in Mumbai, two individuals were apprehended for defrauding a laundryman of Rs 15 lakh by impersonating a personal assistant to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The accused, identified as Suhas Mahadik and Kiran Patil (the impostor PA), were arrested following a complaint lodged by the victim, Mallesh Kalluri, aged 46.

Kalluri, who was informed about the potential redevelopment of his workplace under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme, sought assistance after learning about an application submitted to disqualify him from the list of eligible persons. Mahadik, a local acquaintance, claimed to have connections with an individual at Sagar Bungalow—the official residence of Fadnavis—who could help Kalluri for a fee of Rs 35 lakh.

Upon Mahadik's advice, Kalluri forwarded his documents and was later introduced to Patil near Vidhan Bhavan. Patil, donning an ID card with "Maharashtra State" inscribed on it, demanded Rs 35 lakh for his services. After negotiations, Kalluri and members of his society managed to raise Rs 15 lakh, which they handed over to Mahadik near the Air India building in south Mumbai.

However, after failing to receive the promised documents and losing contact with Patil, Kalluri and Mahadik visited Sagar Bungalow only to discover that no one by the name of Kiran Patil was employed there. Realizing he had been deceived, Kalluri filed an FIR at Marine Drive police station. Police efforts led to Patil's capture in Titwala, Thane district. During interrogation, Patil revealed Mahadik's involvement in the scam.

The duo was arrested on March 22 under sections 170 (Personating a public servant), 419 (cheating by personation), and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. The investigation into this case is ongoing as authorities delve deeper into the matter.