A 55-year-old businesswoman from Sion has lodged a complaint with the Sion police, alleging that she was defrauded of Rs 48.5 lakh by a Kandivli-based couple who promised to arrange a multi-crore bank loan, secure commercial property at discounted rates, and even get her children admitted to prestigious schools.

The complainant, who runs a tours and travels company from her residence, told the police in her complaint that the accused, Grishma Jagdish Rawal, and her husband, Rajesh Velan, residents of Kandivli West, took advantage of her financial distress between September 2023 and January 2024.

According to her complaint, she first came into contact with Rawal through an acquaintance during a business setback. In the meeting, the accused woman allegedly assured the victim that she could help arrange a loan of up to Rs 2 crore but demanded large sums of cash as processing fees. 

The victim claimed that over the next few months, she gave her money in multiple instalments by meeting her at different places, including her residence and other locations, such as Pritam Dhaba in Dadar, Shivaji Park, Square Mall, Union Bank in Mahalaxmi, and Sion station.

The accused allegedly collected money under various pretexts, such as loan documentation, IT return preparation, and stamp duty for commercial plots near Borivli Metro. The accused also collected “admission fees” with a promise of getting her children into prominent elite schools in the Bandra and Bandra-Kurla-Complex areas.

However, despite repeated assurances, no loan was sanctioned, no property was allotted, and no school admission was arranged, and when the victim demanded repayment, the couple allegedly abused and threatened her. By January 2024, the victim realised that she had been cheated of Rs 48.5 lakh in cash. 

Sion police said that based on the complaint, they have registered an FIR against the accused couple under sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to cheating, criminal breach of trust and criminal intimidation. Further investigations are underway.

Source