A 55-year-old businesswoman from Sion has lodged a complaint with the police, alleging that she was defrauded of Rs 48.5 lakh by a Kandivli-based couple who promised to arrange a multi-crore bank loan, secure commercial property at discounted rates, and even get her children admitted to prestigious schools.
The complainant, who runs a tours and travels company from her residence, told the police in her complaint that the accused, Grishma Jagdish Rawal, and her husband, Rajesh Velan, residents of Kandivli West, took advantage of her financial distress between September 2023 and January 2024.
The victim first came into contact with Rawal through an acquaintance during a business setback. Rawal allegedly assured her that she could help arrange a loan of up to Rs 2 crore but demanded large sums of cash as processing fees.
The victim claimed that over the next few months, she gave money to Rawal in multiple instalments by meeting her at different places, including her residence and other locations, including Pritam Dhaba in Dadar, Shivaji Park, Square Mall, Union Bank in Mahalaxmi, and Sion station.
The accused allegedly collected money under various pretexts, such as loan documentation, IT return preparation, and stamp duty for commercial plots near Borivli Metro. The accused also collected “admission fees” with a promise of getting her children into several prominent elite schools.
However, despite repeated assurances, no loan was sanctioned, no property was allotted, and no school admission was arranged. By January 2024, the victim realised that she had been cheated of Rs 48.5 lakh in cash. The victim told the police that even after more than a year, she was hoping to get the money back, as the accused couple made her promises and even sent her cheques, which bounced.
Sion police said that based on the complaint, they have registered an FIR under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) relating to cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal intimidation. Sections of IPC were applicable as the incident occurred between 2023 and 2024 (before Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita [BNS] came into effect).
