Thane consultant loses Rs 98 lakh in fake government tender scam

Representational image. File pic

Two persons have allegedly cheated a 52-year-old business consultant from Thane in Maharashtra of Rs 98 lakh by promising him profits from a government tender, police said on Monday.

As reported by news agency PTI, the accused, known to the victim, claimed to be the owner of two companies. As per the officials, the accused allegedly told the victim that they could secure a tender for supplying mobile phones to the Uttar Pradesh government through Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) and assured him a share in the profits.

Victims allegedly transferred Rs 98 lakh

An official from Chitalsar police station said, "Between April and December 2025, the victim transferred nearly Rs 98 lakh to the accused based on their assurances."

However, the accused neither shared any profits nor returned the money. When the victim followed up, they gave evasive replies, prompting him to approach the police.

Based on the complaint, the Chitalsar police registered an FIR on May 1 against the two accused, both residents of Kolkata, under sections 318(4) (cheating), 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the official said.

Further investigation was underway into the case.

Fake ‘totka babas' dupe Navi Mumbai woman of Rs 1.9 lakh, two arrested

In a case highlighting the exploitation of blind faith, Navi Mumbai police have arrested two self-styled ‘totka babas' for allegedly cheating a Seawoods resident of over Rs 1.9 lakh. The accused allegedly promised to resolve her personal problems through black magic rituals.

The accused have been identified as Arjun Bharat Vahan alias Tappan Baba (29) and Sagar Shivaji Shinde alias Eklakshi Baba (24), both residents of Jalgaon district.

Victim targeted with ‘Negative Energy' claims

According to the police, the duo approached the woman and convinced her that she was under the influence of "negative energy" and that her family was at risk. They claimed that only specialised rituals performed by them could eliminate the supposed threat.

Fear tactics led to repeated payments

What began as a small payment allegedly escalated into repeated financial demands. Investigators said the accused used fear tactics - warning of serious consequences if the rituals were stopped - to pressure the victim into paying larger sums over time.

The alleged fraud took place between October and December 2025, during which the woman paid approximately Rs 1.9 lakh.

(With inputs from PTI)