Love can be a tricky affair, especially when it comes to the digital world. In a recent turn of events, the Waliv Police in Vasai uncovered a deceitful gang that utilized the allure of love to ensnare affluent businessmen and builders on Facebook, extracting substantial sums of money from their victims. Two individuals, including a young woman, now find themselves in handcuffs as the police shed light on a series of crimes committed by this cunning group.
The tale unfolds with a 55-year-old builder who became entangled in the web of a ‘honey trap’. His adversary, a 29-year-old woman named Sahiba Bakshi, initiated contact on Facebook. As the builder succumbed to the charms of this alluring young woman, he began visiting her at her residence. The situation took a dark turn when Sahiba claimed to be pregnant, revealing that her two brothers, Manish Seth (48) and Nafis Shaikh (29), were aware of the supposed pregnancy. Exploiting this fabricated scenario, the brothers threatened the builder, insisting on a staggering demand of 2 crores to resolve the matter. Fearing the consequences, the builder reluctantly agreed and paid Rs.19 lakhs to the deceptive trio, marking the success of their initial scheme.
The builder’s woes, however, did not end there. As he sought to extricate himself from the web of deceit, Sahiba and her alleged brothers devised yet another trap. The builder, involved in a project, was promised a windfall of 25 crores through illicit means, involving officials. Falling prey to the allure of quick riches, the builder entrusted Rs.17 lakhs to the deceitful trio. Unbeknownst to him, this marked the beginning of another episode of manipulation, leading the builder to the realization that he had been duped.
In response to these fraudulent activities, the Waliv Police registered a case against the three accused under various sections, including extortion, fraud, and conspiracy. Assistant Police Sachin Sanap, leading a team from the Crime Investigation Branch, spearheaded efforts to locate and apprehend the culprits. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of one individual in Vajreshwari, Gujarat, and three others in Rajasthan. The authorities were able to recover 7 lakh 88 thousand rupees and two cars, representing the ill-gotten gains of their extortion activities.
The Waliv police station has now recorded two cases related to honey traps and extortion against the accused, signaling the gravity of their actions. Authorities suspect that there may be additional victims who fell prey to the gang’s cunning schemes, prompting an ongoing and thorough investigation.
The disturbing revelation of this ‘honey trap’ gang serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the virtual world, where relationships formed on social media platforms can sometimes lead to dire consequences. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that justice will prevail, bringing an end to the exploitation and manipulation perpetrated by this unscrupulous group. The cautionary tale of the builder and others like him serves as a warning for individuals to exercise vigilance and skepticism in their online interactions, steering clear of potential traps that could lead to financial ruin and emotional distress.
