In a breakthrough in the Rs 12 crore Belagavi agarbatti job scam that rocked Belagavi and villages neighbouring Goa, Shahapur Police have arrested Babasaheb Laxman Kolekar, the main accused who allegedly cheated thousands of women through fake work-from-home incense packing jobs.
Kolekar, who operated under the alias Ajay Patil, ran a bogus enterprise named B.M. Group Mahila Gruh Udyog Sangh and lured women by promising steady home-based income.
Victims were charged between Rs 2,500 and Rs 5,000 each to create a “work ID,” and many were encouraged to recruit others to earn more, making it resemble a chain-marketing scheme.
The accused, a native of Jaloli in Pandharpur taluka of Solapur district and currently residing in Pune, reportedly collected crores from women across Belagavi before disappearing last month.
Initially, the setup appeared genuine. Kolekar rented an office in Belagavi, supplied agarbattis to homes for packing, and even hired local auto drivers for deliveries.
However, when payments stopped and the office was found locked, hundreds of women realised they had been duped. Most victims were homemakers and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Following a detailed investigation based on a police complaint filed on October 25, Shahapur Police, under the supervision of PI SS Seemani, arrested Kolekar on November 4.
Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase confirmed the arrest and termed it a significant breakthrough.
“Citizens should stay alert and avoid investing in such unverified work-from-home schemes,” he cautioned.
Further investigation is in progress to trace the defrauded funds and identify other possible links in the racket.
