Ahmedabad: A case of alleged identity-based fraud has surfaced in Ahmedabad, where two men allegedly impersonated a bullion trader to obtain ₹75 lakh from a Hyderabad-based businessman and then collected the cash through an Angadia firm in Kalupur. The Ahmedabad City Police’s Zone-3 Local Crime Branch has arrested two suspects in connection with the case. Police recovered ₹25 lakh in cash and five mobile phones from their possession. The total value of the seized property has been estimated at around ₹25.52 lakh.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Modsing alias Modh Singh alias Vikramsingh Rajpurohit, 48, a resident of Rajasthan, and Bharatgiri Khemgiri Goswami, 32, from Deesa in Banaskantha. According to police, the two allegedly carried out the fraud by assuming different identities and using multiple names during the operation.
Suspect Allegedly Posed as Bullion Trader
According to police, Hyderabad-based businessman Rohitkumar Narendrakumar Jain received a phone call on July 8. The caller allegedly introduced himself as bullion trader Prithviraj Kothari and asked Jain to send ₹75 lakh from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad.
To make the transaction appear legitimate, the suspect allegedly provided the name and mobile number of a person identified as Ashok Jain. The following day, another person allegedly introduced himself as “Babubhai” and told Jain that he would travel to Ahmedabad to collect the cash consignment. Trusting the instructions, Jain sent ₹75 lakh through R Ganesh Angadia in Kalupur. Police said “Babubhai” subsequently collected the cash from the Angadia firm. The suspects allegedly switched off their mobile phones after receiving the money, cutting off communication with the complainant. The alleged fraud came to light after the businessman was unable to contact the persons involved in the transaction.
CCTV Footage Helped Trace Suspects
Following the complaint, senior police officials directed teams to investigate the case and identify those allegedly involved. A Zone-3 LCB team was conducting checks around the Kalupur Post Office area when investigators received information about the suspected involvement of the two accused. Police apprehended Rajpurohit and Goswami on August 12. During the operation, investigators recovered ₹25 lakh in cash and five mobile phones. Police said CCTV footage from the area was also examined to establish the suspects’ movements and their alleged activities around the Angadia firm.
According to investigators, Rajpurohit allegedly played a key role in the operation by using the identity of Prithviraj Kothari to gain the complainant’s confidence. He allegedly arranged for the money to be transferred from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad and used the names “Ashok Jain” and “Babubhai” as part of the alleged plan. Investigators allege that Rajpurohit instructed Goswami to collect the cash. Goswami allegedly posed as “Babubhai” at the Angadia firm and took possession of the ₹75 lakh consignment.
Police Claim Suspect Has More Than 20 Cases
Police said Rajpurohit has an extensive criminal history, with more than 20 cases registered against him in Gujarat and other states. The cases reportedly include allegations of theft, house-breaking, cheating, criminal breach of trust and impersonation.
According to police records cited during the investigation, cases were registered against him in Ahmedabad and other locations between 2006 and 2018. Police also said six cases were registered against him in Maharashtra and two in Rajasthan. Investigators are now examining whether the accused allegedly used similar identities and methods in previous cases and whether other businessmen or Angadia firms were targeted through the same modus operandi.
Search On for Remaining ₹50 Lakh
Both suspects were arrested on August 12 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is under way.
Police are attempting to identify other individuals who may have allegedly participated in the operation and trace the remaining ₹50 lakh. Investigators are examining the seized mobile phones and communication records to determine how the identities allegedly used in the fraud were created and coordinated.
The investigation will also examine whether the suspects had contacted other businessmen using similar claims and whether additional victims or accomplices are linked to the alleged operation. Police are continuing efforts to recover the remaining funds and establish the complete network behind the ₹75 lakh fraud.
