Scam Alert: Disha Patani’s Father An Ex Cop Defrauded of ₹25 Lakh, FIR Registered
The five conmen promised Jagdish Singh Patani a high-ranking position in a government commission in exchange for money.
Bollywood actor Disha Patani’s father, Jagdish Singh Patani, was allegedly defrauded of ₹25 lakh by a group of five individuals who promised him a high-ranking position in a government commission, police told news agency PTI on Friday.
An FIR was registered in the case at Bareilly Kotwali police station on Friday evening by Jagdish Singh Patani, who is a retired deputy superintendent of police.
The Kotwali police station in-charge DK Sharma said a case had been registered against Shivendra Pratap Singh, Diwakar Garg, Acharya Jayaprakash from Juna Akhara, Preeti Garg, and one unidentified person for cheating, criminal intimidation, and extortion. “Efforts are underway to arrest the accused and take strict action,” Sharma added.
Jagdish Singh Patani, who resides in Bareilly’s Civil Lines area, alleged that Shivendra Pratap Singh, whom he knew personally, introduced him to Diwakar Garg and Acharya Jayaprakash. They claimed to have strong political connections and assured Patani that they could help him secure a position as a chairman, vice-chairman, or a similar prestigious post in a government commission
The group allegedly took ₹25 lakh from Jagdish Patani – ₹5 lakh in cash and ₹20 lakh through money transfers to three different bank accounts.
After there was no progress for three months, the accused told Patani that they would return the money with interest. Patani demanded his money back, which is when they started to issue threats and behave aggressively towards him, police officials said.
In the complaint, Patani also stated that the accused misled him by introducing one of his accomplices as an “officer on special duty” named Himanshu to reinforce their false claims of political connections.
After Patani grew suspicious that this incident was linked to a larger fraud, he lodged a complaint with the police.
Do’s
- Verify the Source: Always verify the authenticity of the person or organization offering any job or financial opportunity. Check for official contact details and cross-reference with known reliable sources.
- Consult Authorities: If you have any doubts, consult with local authorities or trusted financial advisors before proceeding with any transactions.
- Demand Proof: Ask for written documentation, such as offer letters or contracts, and verify them through official channels.
- Research: Conduct thorough research on the individual or company offering the opportunity. Look for reviews, feedback, or news articles that can confirm their legitimacy.
- Report Suspicions: If you encounter any suspicious activities, report them immediately to the police or relevant authorities.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Always use secure and traceable payment methods for any financial transactions.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and fraud tactics to better recognize red flags.
Don’ts
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information, such as bank details, passwords, or identification numbers, with unverified sources.
- Don’t Rush Decisions: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take your time to make informed decisions and verify all information.
- Don’t Pay Upfront: Avoid paying any fees or deposits for job offers or other opportunities without thoroughly verifying their legitimacy.
- Don’t Trust Unsolicited Offers: Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially those that seem too good to be true.
- Don’t Ignore Red Flags: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and investigate further.
- Don’t Engage with Scammers: If you suspect a scam, avoid engaging with the scammers and report the incident to the authorities.
Example of Secure Practices
- Secure Verification: Before engaging in any financial transaction, verify the identity and credentials of the person or organization through official channels.
- Consultation: Always seek advice from trusted sources, such as financial advisors or legal professionals, before making significant financial decisions.
