Man poses as govt official, dupes Andheri businessman of Rs 12.8 lakh by promising work at Kumbh Mela

In July last year, Upadhyay contacted Maudgil and later visited his office in Andheri. During the meeting, he claimed to be the director of several social organisations and private companies. He further told the complainant that he had been appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government as an official representative on the planning committee for the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, said a police officer.

“He even told the complainant that he was in the committee to appoint the event management firm and he could help him get event management work in ‘Kumbh mela’,” the officer added.

Upadhyay allegedly demanded Rs 2.80 lakh as registration fee, claiming it was required to enroll Maudgil’s firm with the UP government. Although initially hesitant, Maudgil agreed after Upadhyay assured him that the amount would be refunded if no contract was awarded. Following this, Maudgil transferred Rs 2.80 lakh to Upadhyay. The accused later sent a document via WhatsApp, titled as being from the “Director of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh”.

Subsequently, the complainant was promised a work order and was convinced to pay an additional Rs 10 lakh in two installments in August 2024. “Once the accused got the money, he started avoiding the victim’s phone call and sometimes if he picked up the phone gave him vague answers,” said senior inspector Santosh Kokate of Amboli police station.

Sensing foul play, Maudgil visited the official website of the Uttar Pradesh government and discovered that the registration document shared by Upadhyay was forged. When the complainant demanded his money back, the accused issued a cheque, which later bounced due to a mismatched signature.

The Amboli police have registered a case under sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(2), 336(3), and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.