Mumbai Crime News: Goregaon Jeweller Arrested For Duping 9 People For ₹4 Crore, Arrested | File Pic (Representative Image)
Mumbai: A jeweller from Goregaon, Kushal Dalpatsingh Rathod, alias Kamlesh Chauhan, and two accomplices were arrested for allegedly defrauding over 90 individuals by offering high returns on investments in cash and jewellery.
According to Mid-day report, the police state that Rathod, 30, misappropriated around ₹4 crore in funds before fleeing to Rajasthan, where he purchased land and started a dhaba. The authorities captured Rathod in Rajasthan on May 5, while his accomplices, Vinayak Maruti Mane, 44, and Sibaram Omiya Sawant, 47, were apprehended in Mumbai on May 10.
Rathod had opened a jewellery store named Shri Jewellers in Goregaon East’s Santosh Nagar market, enticing customers with appealing schemes such as bonuses, 50% off jewellery making charges, and free hallmarking of gold. Attracted by these offers, more than 90 people invested in his schemes from 2023 until October 2024.
The main bait was a special lottery draw scheduled for October 12, 2024. However, when victims arrived on that date, they discovered the shop closed and Rathod’s phone switched off. Realizing they were conned, the victims reported the matter to the Dindoshi police. Following this, a case was registered under applicable sections of the BNS, with the investigation led by DCP Smita Patil, Senior Inspector Ajay Aphale, and PSI Ajeet Desai.
On May 5, police tracked down Kushal Dalpatsingh Rathod, alias Kamlesh Chauhan, in Dhawal village, Jalore, Rajasthan. Chauhan had used money from a scam to buy land and establish “Jaisalmer Ki Jhalak And Restaurant.” His arrest led to the capture of accomplices Mane and Sawant, revealing a broader conspiracy and identifying three more suspects, prompting ongoing searches.
Police stated that the scheme involved melting down jewelry collected from customers as part of investment schemes, with the resale handled by Sawant, Mane, and others currently at large. Chauhan had avoided detection by frequently changing mobile numbers, maintaining separate lines for associates in Mumbai and criminal contacts.
After receiving a tip, the Dindoshi police worked with local law enforcement in Jaisalmer to set a trap, employing undercover officers who dined at the restaurant. They arrested Chauhan upon his arrival. The three accused were presented in court and remanded to police custody until May 13. The investigation is still ongoing, with efforts to apprehend additional suspects continuing.
