Nagpur: In a major loan scam, a businessman from city was duped of Rs 16 lakh by two individuals who promised to secure a Rs 32 crore loan for his business. Kirti Bhai Jivraj Patel, a 56-year-old resident of Jalaram Nagar, Plot No. 35, Kalamna owns Gayatri Timber Mart in Kalamna Market and a cotton ginning center in Radegaon, Yavatmal. Patel was seeking a substantial loan to expand his business but fell victim to a fraudulent scheme.

According to the complaint, Patel was unable to obtain the loan amount from the bank. Two individuals, identified as Dhananjay Pandit, 45, a resident of Shri Anand Co-operative Housing Society, Bapat Road, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, and Sachin Shivratn Thakre, 35, a resident of Plot No. 44, Vishwakarma Nagar, Hingna Road, Nagpur, became aware of Patel's financial needs and approached him.

Between June 1, 2024, and June 16, 2024, the accused met with Patel at Plot No. 640, Chikhli Layout, Kalamna, and assured him that they could secure the loan in exchange for a commission. Trusting their promises, Patel agreed to the arrangement. The accused then tricked Patel into transferring various amounts, totaling Rs 16,10,000, into their accounts as commission without providing the promised loan.

After realizing that the loan would not be provided, Patel lodged a complaint with the Kalamna Police. Based on his allegations, Sub-Inspector Raut registered a case against the accused under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the BNS. Further investigation into the matter is underway.