Two men booked for duping a fruit vendor with bounced cheque for 44 dozen mangoes

“On April 6, the complainant opened his shop in the morning. Around 5pm, an elderly man and another individual, believed to be between 32 and 35 years old, visited his shop. The younger man was introduced as a manager and claimed he was interested in purchasing 40 dozen mangoes,” an officer said.

After negotiations, the two parties agreed on a price of Rs 950 per dozen, and the complainant packed 44 dozen mangoes into 22 boxes.

“The two individuals were supposed to pay Rs 41,800, but they claimed they had no cash and offered to pay by cheque,” said the officer, adding, “The complainant initially refused, but the duo convinced him by saying the mangoes were to be distributed at a temple in Dadar.”

The police said the accused handed over a cheque to the complainant, who then deposited it in the bank.

“Two days after I deposited the cheque, bank officials returned it with a remark stating ‘Drawer’s signature differs.’ That’s when I realised I had been cheated,” the complainant stated.

The fruit vendor subsequently approached the Kandivali police and lodged a complaint, following which a case of cheating was registered.