Mumbai: Kandivali cops yet to arrest caterer; questions arise on police's role in cheating case

Hitesh Rathod

The Kandivali police have been reluctant to arrest the catering businessman Hitesh Kanjibhai Rathod, the owner of Yash Caterers. Rathod fled with crores of rupees belonging to his clients on December 11. The complainants allege that the police have shielded Rathod right from the start.

Initially, the police delayed filing the missing complaint. Despite the suicidal note left by Rathod at his office, stating his debt and intention to leave, the Kandivali police made no efforts to trace him, raising suspicions that they knew something about Rathod's disappearance.

Even though Rathod's anticipatory bail has been rejected, the Kandivali police are making no efforts to arrest him and assist the victims. The victims approached the police hoping to find Rathod, but they received no assistance. Losing hope in the police, the victims took loans from their friends and families to manage their weddings.

Dec 11 - Rathod went missing

On December 11, Rathod went missing. He was at his office in Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali West, and left a note for his staff expressing his depression and intentions to leave. Despite the suicidal note, the police did not initiate any search for Rathod. Altaf Khan, Rathod's manager, rushed to the Kandivali police station with the note, but the police asked him to wait for a day.

The Yash Caterers office at Mahavir Nagar in Kandivali West

A groom, who had booked Rathod's catering for his wedding, highlighted the need for immediate action to locate a missing person, criticising the lack of initiative by the Kandivali police. "His suicide note went viral on WhatsApp groups. The next day, messages about his suicide also went viral, saying his body was recovered in Palghar. However, it turned out to be a rumour. Although the police eventually registered Rathod as missing, they made no effort to locate him."

A father of a bride told midday, "The police have information about Hitesh Rathod going to Nashik and Saputara in Gujarat. They also received information that he not only cheated me but also many other people out of significant sums of money, yet they didn't arrest him. Our trust ended when Rathod approached the court for anticipatory bail."

Another victim said, "The police have been receiving complaints since December 12 after Rathod went missing, but after a month, they are clueless about his whereabouts. Police are shielding Rathod, giving him more time to approach the court. Police should arrest him to recover our money. We are in depression now as we took a loan of Rs 20 lakh from relatives, and we have to return it to them."

A groom whose wedding was affected shared his distress, having taken a loan of Rs 30 lakh for his marriage, hoping the police would find Rathod before the ceremony. However, Rathod remained elusive and the wedding concluded without the money being returned. Another victim said, "Rathod also called us and promised to return the money, but he hasn't given a single rupee yet. I took a loan from my friend for my daughter's marriage."

Police Speak

The police, represented by Senior Inspector Sandeep Vishwasrao of Kandivali police station, acknowledged Rathod's untraceable status. While a team was formed to locate him, Rathod avoids using his mobile phone and only communicates through intermediaries. Reports indicated Rathod's presence in Saputara, leading the police to intensify their efforts to arrest him soon. Meanwhile, Rathod came to Mumbai and met people who had booked wedding catering services, asking them not to file an FIR against him.

Timeline of the case

December 11
Hitesh Rathod went missing

December 12
Missing complaint registered
Kandivali police started receiving complaints

December 14 onwards
Rathod was in touch with his manager, family, and friends

Dec 12
Day missing complaint was registered