Pune | A case of alleged financial fraud involving ₹40 lakh has come to light in Maharashtra’s Pune city, where a woman claims she was cheated on the promise of obtaining government subsidies for a business venture. According to the complaint, the president of an organisation allegedly collected large sums of money from her over several years after assuring her that he could secure government grants and approvals under various welfare and business promotion schemes.
Police have registered a case against Amol Krishna Chavan, a resident of Upper Indiranagar in Pune’s Bibwewadi area. The case has been filed under relevant provisions related to cheating and criminal breach of trust, and an investigation is currently underway.
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According to police officials, the complainant, a 35-year-old woman residing in a residential society in Bibwewadi, first came into contact with Chavan around three years ago. During their interactions, Chavan allegedly presented himself as someone with extensive knowledge of government subsidy programmes and the ability to facilitate approvals for new business projects.
Investigators said the accused allegedly persuaded the woman to pursue a new business venture by assuring her that financial assistance could be obtained through government-backed schemes. He reportedly claimed that his organisation had the necessary expertise and connections to ensure smooth processing of applications and speedy approval of grants.
Based on these assurances, the woman allegedly visited the organisation’s office on multiple occasions and gradually developed confidence in the accused. Police said Chavan allegedly convinced her that various administrative formalities, application procedures and approval-related requirements would require financial contributions at different stages of the process.
According to the complaint, the accused collected money from the woman periodically over a three-year period. The payments were allegedly made through both cash transactions and online transfers. Investigators estimate that the total amount collected reached approximately ₹40 lakh.
The complainant alleged that she was repeatedly informed that her subsidy application was moving through different stages of approval within government departments. Each time she sought updates, she was allegedly given explanations involving technical delays, documentation requirements or administrative procedures. These assurances reportedly continued for several years.
However, despite the passage of considerable time, no government subsidy was sanctioned and no official documentation confirming approval was provided to the woman. This eventually raised suspicions and prompted her to independently verify the claims made by the accused.
Following her own inquiries, the woman allegedly discovered discrepancies that led her to believe she had been deceived. She subsequently approached the police and filed a formal complaint detailing the transactions and promises allegedly made by the accused.
Police have since begun examining documents submitted by the complainant, along with banking records, digital transaction details and other available evidence. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the funds were genuinely sought in connection with any government scheme or whether the alleged plan was conceived solely to defraud the victim.
Officials are also exploring whether additional individuals may have been targeted through similar representations. As part of the probe, authorities are reviewing financial records and communication trails to establish the full scope of the alleged fraud.
Experts note that frauds involving promises of government grants, subsidies and business assistance have become increasingly common. In many such cases, accused persons gain the confidence of victims by claiming access to influential contacts, specialised knowledge of government procedures or the ability to secure fast-track approvals.
Former IPS officer and noted cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh said financial fraudsters often focus on building trust before executing their schemes. According to him, offenders typically identify the aspirations and needs of victims, offer seemingly credible assurances and gradually persuade them to part with substantial sums of money.
The Pune case once again highlights the risks associated with relying on unofficial intermediaries for government schemes and financial assistance programmes. Investigators are continuing to examine the financial trail and other aspects of the case as the inquiry progresses.
