Criminal gang members pose as taxmen to loot ₹1.8 million from Mumbai business family

In a scenario not much different from the 2013 Hindi film Special 26that starred Akshay Kumar, a criminal gang recently posed as income tax (I-T) officials to stage a 'raid' on the residence of a counterfeit jewellery businessman in Mumbai's Sion area.

The eight-member group, allegedly tipped off by one of the insiders, seized ₹1.8 million ($21,600) kept by the jewellerfor a family wedding, The Times of India reported.

The suspects were swiftly arrested by the police as the act was caught on CCTV.

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One of the suspects, Rajkumar Gujjar (38) has beenidentified as a friend of the victim's grandson.

How did the crime unfold?

According to the details of investigation reported by the Times of India, Abhay Kasle (33), a member of the gang, informed Gujjar about Sushant Lohar (33), the alleged mastermind posing as an I-T officer, promising a 10 per cent commission for raid tips.

Motivated by the lure of commission, the unsuspecting Gujjar purportedly disclosed false information about the Patwa family's substantial cash acquisition from a property deal.

Following the staged 'seizure,' the gang, while impersonating as Income Taxofficials, fabricated a legal documentand instructed the family to expect an officialnotice by the Income Tax department.

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Apart from the prime accused Sushant Lohar, others involved in the operation were Kasle and Gujjar, who played a pivotal role in the scheme.

Additionally, Santosh Patle (37), Rajaram Mangle (47), Amardeep Sonawane (29), Sharad Ekavade (33), and Bhaurao Ingle (52) were arrested for their involvement in the sham raid.

Looted money yet to be recovered

The efforts are ongoing to recover the ₹1.8 million seized by the gang.

The police haveconfiscated a vehicle and a forged identity card shown by theaccused individuals when they allegedly committedthe crime. Further scrutiny revealed photographs of two individuals donning police uniforms, purportedly for roles in a crime serial.