Mumbai, July 20: Mumbai police recently booked three members of a family, including a father-son duo, for allegedly duping a 73-year-old of INR 42 lakh. Police officials said the trip cheated the elderly man on the pretext of providing the victim with an MHADA flat in Powai. The arrested accused have been identified as Santosh Vidyadhar Mishra (49), his son Mohan (32), and his elder brother Arun Vidyadhar Mishra (62).

The victim, R Sane, a resident of Ghatkopar West, runs an electrical shop at MG Road. Officials said that the complaint was the landlord of the accused earlier, reports HT. They also said that the accused used to visit Sane's shop and tell him about their connections with MHADA officials. During one conversation, the accused told Sane that they could help him buy an MHADA house at a lower price and in a good location. Mumbai Shocker: Watchman Demands Physical Favours From Woman in Malad, Attacks Her With Knife After Failed Rape Attempt; Arrested From Bihar.

An official said that the accused told Sane about an MHADA flat at Saki Vihar in Tunga Village, Powai. They also told the complaint that the flat was for INR 65 lakh. Trusting the accused, Sane broke his deposits as the accused sought money in cash. Following this, the accused gave him a Xerox copy of an order that stated that the flat was allotted to him.

Sane also received a possession letter allegedly signed by the director of the Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board and was promised an original copy of the allotment letter after full payment was received. Post this, the complaint paid INR 39 lakh in cash and another INR 2,34 lakh in July 2023. However, Sane learned that the documents he received were fake. Mumbai Shocker: Ghatkopar Businessman Jumps off Bandra Worli Sea Link, Ends Life After WhatsApp Video Call to Son; Note Apologises for Act.

Realising that he had been duped, Sane approached the police and lodged a complaint against the trio. Police officials confirmed that the complaint was duped of INR 42.50 lakh. While the accused have been booked, they have yet to be arrested.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2024 07:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).