MUMBAI: Mumbai Police have registered a case against four individuals, including a man who allegedly impersonated a Class I officer from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), for cheating a city-based jeweller of ₹2.8 crore. The victim, 57-year-old Shailesh Jain, approached the Lokmanya Tilak Marg Police Station on 28 November, lodging a detailed complaint that triggered a criminal investigation, officials said on Monday.
Jeweller alleges fraud by man posing as CMO official
According to the complaint, Jain came into contact with the prime accused, Vaibhav Paresh Thakar (32), in January 2024. Thakar allegedly introduced himself as a high-ranking CMO officer, gaining Jain’s trust. Police said that Thakar, along with his wife, mother-in-law and an associate identified as agent Birju Salla, allegedly orchestrated a planned scheme to extract money and valuables from the jeweller.
Between February and April 2024, the group reportedly collected large sums of cash, along with gold and diamonds, from Jain under various pretexts.
Accused allegedly ran a coordinated scheme
Investigators said that the group’s method appeared coordinated, with each accused playing a specific role. Thakar allegedly used his false government profile to build credibility, while the others assisted in collecting jewellery and funds. The fraud came to light only after Jain realised that assurances made by the accused were false and attempts to recover his money and valuables failed.
The complainant alleged that he was misled into believing the transactions were linked to high-level government work, which increased his confidence in the accused.
Case registered; police probe underway
Following the complaint, police registered a case under charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy. Officers at the Lokmanya Tilak Marg Police Station confirmed that the matter is under investigation and efforts are on to trace the accused.
Officials said that more details would emerge as they verify the financial trail, recover communication records and examine whether similar complaints have previously been filed against the accused.
Conclusion
Mumbai Police are now probing the full extent of the alleged fraud, including whether the impersonation was used to cheat others. The jeweller’s complaint has raised concerns about rising cases of financial fraud involving fake government identities. Investigators said they will also examine the possibility of additional accomplices.