24 February,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Wadhwani uses the money he cheated people out of to stay at hotels and gamble
The Malad police have taken custody of a 62-year-old habitual offender who allegedly posed as a "helpful social worker" to cheat senior citizens of their hard-earned savings.
Brijkumar Santoshkumar Wadhwani was arrested last month by Bolinj police in a similar case. Police describe Wadhwani as a professional conman with multiple cheating cases registered across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Brijkumar Santoshkumar Wadhwani befriends the 72-year-old complainant inside the SV Road branch of a nationalised bank. ILLUSTRATIONS/UDAY MOHITE
Upon learning of his arrest, Police Sub-Inspector Jakalwad from Malad police took custody of Wadhwani in a cheating case of Rs 3 lakh registered at Malad police station. He was produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody. Investigations are ongoing to identify more victims.
>> Amravati >> Bhusawal
>> Wardha >> Vadodara
>> Gondia
Wadhwani asks the man to write his details and flees taking advantage of the situation
>> Originally from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
>> Does not live with family
>> Travels across states targeting senior citizens inside banks
PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
>> Poses as a helpful assistant or social worker
>> Uses stolen money to stay in hotels, and gamble
>> Frequently projects himself as a frail, ill, senior citizen in court to secure bail
>> Stayed at a dormitory in Dadar before fleeing
>> Travelled between Dadar, Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Delhi to evade arrest
>> Technical surveillance helped trace him back to Mumbai on January 26, 2026
>> Arrested by Bolinj police
Mobile phone worth Rs 25,500
Cash from bank account amounting to Rs 1,51,287
The 72-year-old complainant had invested Rs 7 lakh in a senior citizen's fixed deposit scheme at the SV Road branch of a nationalised bank in 2018
After the FD matured on January 1, 2026, he visited the bank with his son to transfer the amount
Wadhwani befriended complainant inside bank
Filled withdrawal slips and took a cheque from the victim
Accompanied complainant to cashier, where Rs 3 lakh was withdrawn
Claimed complainant's bag was "too flimsy" and convinced him to keep the cash in his own bag
Distracted complainant by asking him to write his name and address on paper
Fled with Rs 3 lakh cash
Amount Rs 3 lakh
On January 8 at the Virar West branch of the same nationalised bank, Wadhwani gained the confidence of an elderly customer
Convinced him to withdraw Rs 2 lakh on the pretext of transferring funds
Pocketed the cash instead of depositing it
Case registered at Bolinj police station
Amount Rs 2 lakh
