Pune: In a shocking revelation, two individuals hailing from Mumbai stand accused of duping three victims of a total sum of Rs 22 lakh under the false pretence of securing admissions to renowned educational institutions in Pune. The victims, identified as Omkar Chandrakant Pawar, Sayaji Mohite, and Rupali Kale, fell prey to the fraudulent scheme between October 8 and November 2, 2023.
Omkar Chandrakant Pawar, a 20-year-old resident of Velhe, lodged a complaint at Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station on Tuesday (December 19), detailing the elaborate deception orchestrated by the accused. The perpetrators, namely Saurabh Sunil Kodag (22 years old, residing in West Mumbai) and Santosh Kashinath Pawar (50 years old, residing in Virar, East Mumbai), have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 406, 420, 465, 468, 469, 471, 504, 506, and 34.
According to the police investigation, Omkar Pawar sought admission for medical education (BAMS) at Bharti Vidyapeeth Hospital Dhankawadi. The accused exploited his aspirations, falsely claiming to have the ability to secure admission. Subsequently, a staggering amount of Rs 13.2 lakh was extracted from Omkar, who was provided with a counterfeit allotment letter as part of the deceit.
The fraudulent activities extended beyond Omkar, ensnaring Sayaji Mohite and Rupali Kale. The accused promised admission for Sayaji Mohite’s son, Aditya, and Rupali Kale’s daughter at Sumitibhai Shah Ayurveda College, Hadapsar. Sayaji Mohite was coerced into parting with Rs 7 lakh, while Rupali Kale handed over Rs 1.9 lakh, both victims receiving fake bill receipts in return.
Upon discovering the scam, the victims demanded the return of their money. However, the accused responded with verbal abuse, threats against the victims and their families, and refusals to repay the ill-gotten gains. In response, Omkar Pawar lodged a formal complaint at Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station.
The police, led by female assistant police inspector Tawde, promptly initiated an investigation into the allegations.
