Palghar: A criminal case has been registered after an Adivasi farmer from Dahanu alleged that more than ₹50.27 lakh was siphoned off from his bank account in connection with compensation paid for land acquired under the Vadhavan Port project. The complainant has accused three individuals of gaining his trust, altering bank-linked contact details and diverting part of the compensation amount through multiple transactions.
Bank Details Allegedly Changed During Compensation Process
The case relates to land acquired for the Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. According to the complaint, the farmer was entitled to compensation of more than ₹2.93 crore for land acquired from Tawa village in the Dahanu region.
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Based on the complaint filed by Kiran Palwa, a case has been registered against Suraj Gimbhal, Dharma Valvi and Prasad alias Monty Patil. The compensation was linked to approximately 2.30 hectares of acquired land.
The complainant alleged that the accused assured him they would help expedite the government compensation process and ensure that the money was credited quickly. Investigators believe the accused may have taken advantage of the farmer’s limited knowledge of banking procedures and official documentation.
₹50.27 Lakh Withdrawn Through Multiple Transactions
According to the complaint, the farmer was taken to a private bank branch in Boisar in April, where he was asked to sign several documents and provide thumb impressions. During this process, the mobile number and email ID linked to his bank account were allegedly changed without his full understanding.
Investigators claim that after the compensation amount was credited, ₹50,27,670 was withdrawn through multiple transactions. Preliminary findings suggest that portions of the money may have been used to purchase gold jewellery, clothing and other items, though officials said these details remain subject to verification.
A key concern in the case is that the complainant allegedly remained unaware for several months that the compensation amount had already been deposited. Since the linked mobile number and email address had allegedly been changed, he did not receive transaction alerts or account notifications.
Probe Focuses on Money Trail and Account Changes
The alleged fraud came to light after account activity details were obtained and examined. The case has raised concern among local tribal communities, many of whom depend on compensation payments following land acquisition for major infrastructure projects.
Residents have questioned the role of intermediaries involved in compensation-related procedures and called for stronger safeguards to protect beneficiaries from financial exploitation.
Financial crime experts note that unauthorized changes to account-linked mobile numbers and email IDs are often used in fraud cases. Once transaction alerts and account notifications are diverted, victims may remain unaware of withdrawals until substantial sums have already been taken.
Authorities are now examining banking records, transaction trails, account modification details and financial documents to determine how the funds were transferred and who benefited from the alleged scheme. The investigation is continuing, with police focusing on tracing the money trail and identifying the full extent of the alleged fraud.
