Dadar Police in Mumbai have launched a search for a conman who allegedly posed as a sadhu and allegedly cheated a 37-year-old estate agent inside his Prabhadevi office on Thursday afternoon, fleeing with jewellery worth Rs 2.82 lakh by distracting him.

According to Mumbai Police, the complainant, who operates an estate agency from shop located on Raja Bhau Desai Marg in Prabhadevi, was alone in his cabin around 3.25 pm when the accused entered dressed in saffron robes and carrying a copper kamandalu (water pot). The suspect, believed to be around 50 years old, chanted religious verses, blessed the complainant and asked for a small donation.

After the complainant gave him Rs 200, the accused produced a paper bundle containing reddish powder and a gemstone. He asked the complainant to place his gold ring inside the bundle for “good luck”. The complainant told the police that he felt momentarily confused and complied. The accused then handed back the bundle and left.

When the complainant opened it moments later, the ring and gemstone —together valued at Rs 2.82 lakh —had been replaced with worthless items, and the religious articles used to gain his trust had disappeared. Realising he had been cheated, he approached Dadar Police, following which a case was registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The police have circulated the suspect’s description to track him down.

“He was a dark-complexioned man, around 50 years old, with long hair, beard, saffron clothing, shawl and a kamandalu and we are scanning the CCTV footage from the area,” an officer said. Police added that the accused is likely a habitual cheat who targets shop-owners during low-footfall hours using religious props and sleight-of-hand techniques.

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