15 October,2023 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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As many as 156 young individuals found themselves allegedly duped of approximately Rs 5 lakhs while attempting to purchase passes for a "garba night" hosted by the renowned singer and dandiya dancer, Falguni Pathak, in Mumbai, stated a report in ANI.
This unfortunate turn of events unfolded when an individual claiming to be an authorised dealer for the event failed to deliver the promised discounted tickets, as disclosed by city police officials on Sunday.
In light of this incident, the aggrieved youths have promptly lodged a formal complaint with the Mumbai Police.
As per the police's account, the accused, Vishal Shah, who asserted his status as an authorized dealer for Falguni Pathak's event in Borivali (West), purportedly offered passes at a reduced rate of Rs 3,300, a substantial markdown from the actual price of Rs 4,500.
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The initial complainant, a Kandivali resident who operates a painting business, along with two friends, decided to procure the passes. Subsequently, more than 153 acquaintances expressed a desire to partake in this endeavour.
The young entrepreneur and his two friends diligently collected cash payments from the interested parties. On Thursday, they relayed their intent to purchase a total of 156 passes to Shah, added the report.
As per the First Information Report (FIR) submitted by the victims, Shah instructed them to convene at a designated location on New Link Road, Borivali (West), where a representative would collect the funds on his behalf. He further assured that he would personally furnish the passes at a later stage.
Reportedly, upon reaching the specified location, the trio was met with an eerie absence of both the designated representative and the promised passes. Adding to the distress, attempts to reach Shah via telephone proved futile. In light of these developments, the affected youths promptly filed a formal complaint at the MHB Colony police station.
On the subsequent day, Friday, the police initiated legal action against the accused Vishal Shah and any potential accomplices. The charges levied against them include offences under sections 406, 420, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Law enforcement authorities are actively pursuing the search for the accused.
