Mumbai: ‘Supermom’ cons 24 to rescue gambler son

Rupal Pandya

The Mulund police arrested a woman for allegedly cheating 24 people of Rs 2 crore to rescue her son from debt he acquired while gambling at a casino in Dubai. Twenty-four people filed a complaint with the Mulund police against a woman identified as Rupal Pandya, who was later arrested.

Pandya's son Ishan had moved to Dubai after his wedding, and had lost R2 crore at a casino there. To help him repay the debt, Ishan's mother, who runs a beauty parlour, borrowed money from several acquaintances, on the assurance that she would pay a high rate of interest.

Following investigations, the police learnt that the accused also cheated customers, who visited her parlour. She had also taken jewellery from her maids, and told them that she was investing it in a finance company.

Vikram Jain, a resident of Narmada Devi Society, in Mulund, who was duped of R2 lakh, said, "My wife knows Rupal since the last 10 years. During lockdown, she would regularly visit our home. One day, she told us that her son desperately needed money, as his business had taken a beating. We dipped into our savings to help her."

Another victim, Puspa Jhulve, said, "Rupal came to my home a year ago and told me her money was stuck somewhere and she needed cash urgently. She promised to return it in two months." Sachin Patil, investigating officer, of Mulund Police station said, "We arrested the accused on Friday. Till now we have received 24 complaints against her and are still receiving many calls from people who have been cheated. We also called the woman's son and will record his statement and take action." When contacted, Senior Inspector Ravi Sardesai of Mulund police station said, "The accused was produced in court and remanded to police custody till February 3."