Nashik: A 29-year-old farmer from Niphad in Nashik district has been allegedly cheated of ₹1.44 crore by a man who promised to secure a liquor shop licence in Navi Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.
Farmer lured with promise of licence
According to the complaint, the accused, a resident of Kalyan in Thane district, convinced the farmer that he could facilitate the transfer of a liquor shop licence at Panvel in Navi Mumbai from its original owner into the farmer’s name.
Trusting the promise, the farmer and his brother paid the accused ₹1.44 crore in multiple instalments between July 2024 and January 2025, an official from the MFC police station confirmed.
Misappropriation of funds
Police said that of the total amount collected, the accused paid ₹61 lakh to the liquor shop owner but misappropriated the remaining ₹83 lakh. Despite repeated assurances, he failed to complete the licence transfer.
When the victim questioned him, the accused allegedly issued several cheques as reimbursement. However, all of them bounced, further raising suspicions.
FIR registered under cheating charges
The accused neither returned the money nor ensured the licence transfer. Following a formal complaint, an FIR was registered on August 23 under Section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police said a detailed investigation is underway to trace the misappropriated amount and determine whether more individuals may have been duped in a similar manner.
Conclusion
The case highlights the growing number of frauds involving fake promises of licences and contracts in Maharashtra. Police have urged citizens to verify official processes through government channels and avoid private agents demanding large sums in advance.