A man has been arrested for allegedly deceiving a businessman from Karnataka into visiting Maharashtra’s Thane district with the promise of investing in his business. The businessman was then robbed of over Rs 2 crore at gunpoint while being held captive in several hotels, according to officials. The incident occurred between December 15 and 18, 2025, and the main suspect, Ankit Bapu Thombre, aged 40, was apprehended on January 6.
The arrest was carried out by the Crime Branch Unit-I of the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar police commissionerate. ACP Crime Madan Ballal confirmed the details. The victim, Shamantkumar Shadak Sharappa Karder, a 31-year-old businessman from Shimoga, Karnataka, received a call on December 15, 2025. The caller identified himself as Ankit and expressed interest in investing in Karder’s company.
Deceptive Investment Proposal
Believing the investment proposal to be genuine, Karder travelled to Kashimira in Thane district. However, upon arrival, he was taken to three different hotels between December 15 and 18 and held captive by the accused. ACP Ballal stated that during this time, the accused threatened Karder with a pistol while an accomplice brandished a knife.
The perpetrators forced Karder to reveal his net banking ID and password. Using these credentials, they conducted unauthorised online transactions totalling Rs 2,17,63,287 from his current bank account. Following this ordeal, Karder filed a complaint leading to an FIR being registered on January 2 by Kashimira police.
Legal Actions and Investigation
The FIR included charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), such as attempt to murder and wrongful confinement. It also included sections of the Arms Act against Thombre and his accomplices. During their investigation, police discovered that Thombre had attempted to hide his identity by using a UK-based mobile number.
Despite these efforts to conceal his identity, police successfully identified and arrested Thombre near Shil Phata close to Navi Mumbai. ACP Ballal mentioned that authorities also seized a sports utility vehicle (SUV) used in committing the crime.
Ongoing Search for Accomplices
The police are actively searching for Thombre’s accomplices involved in this crime. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to gather more evidence and apprehend those still at large.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance when dealing with unsolicited investment offers and underscores the need for thorough verification before engaging in business transactions with unknown parties.
With inputs from PTI
