A 64-year-old woman lawyer from Lalbaug was allegedly cheated of Rs 1.3 crore after she was lured with promises of a multi-crore business loan. The accused allegedly used forged bank sanction letters and fake processing-fee demands to dupe her. After waiting for nearly two years for her money to be returned, the victim finally approached Kalachowki police on Friday.
According to police, the complainant, a practising advocate residing in Lalbaug, was seeking funds for a large business project. She was approached in early 2023 by Shekhar alias Khanderao Sonar, his son Shreyas Sonar, and their relative Dhiraj Mule, who claimed they could arrange large-scale business funding through leading finance companies and banks.
To gain her trust, they allegedly showed her forged SBI loan-sanction letters and documents claiming that loans of around Rs 100 crore and even up to Rs 1,200 crore could be arranged for project financing. They demanded an upfront “commission” or “processing fee” to facilitate the loan.
In September and December 2024, the accused allegedly issued multiple cheques totalling Rs 1.3 crore towards repayment, but the amount was never returned. Police also added that the complainant repeatedly visited the accused seeking her money, she was allegedly abused, threatened and driven out.
An FIR was registered against all three accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating, criminal breach of trust and common intention. Further investigation is underway.
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