MAPUSA
In a significant breakthrough, the Colvale Police Station has solved a high-profile cheating case involving a fraud of Rs 22.24 lakh.
The case, registered on November 13 was based on a complaint filed by Pratharnesh Narhari Pingulkar, a resident of Chicalim-Colvale, who was duped under the pretext of receiving Apple iPhones at prices lower than the market rate.
After extensive investigation, the police team successfully traced the accused, identified as Baliram Prakash Mhapankar (31), a native of Mhapan, Vengurla, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra.
The operation was carried out with the assistance of the call monitoring center, North Goa and after closely monitoring the suspect's movements.
Mhapankar was apprehended in Vengurla, Sindhudurg and placed under arrest under Sections 319(2), 318(4), read with Section 3(5) of the BNS Act, 2023. Following his arrest, he was presented before the Judicial Magistrate Court, which remanded him to five days of police custody for further investigation.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of SDPO Mapusa Sandesh Chodankar and PI Vijay V Rane of Colvale Police Station, with strategic guidance from Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Akshat Kaushal (IPS).
SP Kaushal has urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious against fraudulent schemes promising unrealistic offers.
“We appeal to citizens to verify the authenticity of such schemes and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” he said.
The swift action and diligent efforts of the Colvale Police highlight their commitment to tackling fraud and ensuring justice for victims of such crimes. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover more details and connections in the case.
