Pune: In a major cybercrime breakthrough, Pune City’s Cyber Police have arrested a construction businessman from Rajgad in connection with a ₹6.31 crore fraud case involving a senior citizen. The arrest was made in the Panvel region during a night-time operation, while another suspect remains on the run.
The victim, a Pune-based senior citizen, was allegedly duped between November 1 and 19, 2024. According to officials, the individual received several WhatsApp calls from fraudsters impersonating law enforcement personnel. They falsely accused the victim of involvement in a money laundering case and threatened a so-called “digital arrest.” Under duress and fearing legal consequences, the victim transferred substantial amounts of money into various bank accounts.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pankaj Deshmukh stated, “The fraudsters posed as police officers and pressured the victim with threats of legal action, leading to the loss of over ₹6 crore.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Economic and Cyber Offences Wing) Vivek Masal explained that on November 11 alone, ₹20 lakh was transferred to an HDFC Bank account under the name Shri Dhavir Construction, located in Kokban village, Roha Taluka, Raigad district. The accused reportedly converted part of the stolen amount into fixed deposits worth ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh.
The arrested suspect has been identified as Tushar Harishchandra Vajantri, a construction businessman. His father, Harishchandra Changu Vajantri, who is also a suspect in the case, remains absconding.
Senior Inspector Swapnali Shinde of the Cyber Police Station revealed that the arrest took place near Aishwarya Resort in Vaidhil Goche village during a night raid in heavy Konkan rainfall. Tushar Vajantri has been remanded to five days of police custody following his appearance before a Judicial Magistrate (First Class) in Pune.
Investigations also uncovered that Tushar has five cyber fraud cases registered against him across multiple states, as listed on the National Cyber Crime Portal. Authorities believe this case is connected to a broader cybercrime syndicate operating at a national level.
Pune Cyber Police are working with the Kerala Police to trace the absconding father, who is reportedly linked to a parallel investigation.
The crackdown was led under the supervision of Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma, and other senior officials.
Police urge the public to be cautious of unknown callers—particularly those threatening legal action and demanding payments. Report any suspicious activity on the National Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call the helpline 1930.
