Two accused have been arrested by the Valsad Cyber Crime Police in connection with an alleged cyber fraud in which a Valsad resident in Gujarat was duped of ₹1,46,75,000 through a fake investment platform and WhatsApp groups that promised high returns from share-market trading, police said on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The arrests bring fresh momentum to an investigation that had already led to the recovery of a portion of the defrauded amount.

How the Fraud Was Carried Out

The complainant, Khushru Dali Petigara, was allegedly lured into the scheme through WhatsApp groups named 'B125-Wealthy Vision VIP Circle' and '460-Wealthy Vision VIP Circle'. The accused allegedly fabricated a corporate identity for a company called 'WealthyIN Broking Private Limited' and convinced Petigara to transfer funds into designated bank accounts, claiming he would earn higher profits through bulk institutional share trading.

A trading application reportedly displayed fictitious profits accruing on the investment, creating a false sense of returns. When Petigara attempted to withdraw the supposed profits, he was allegedly told to pay an additional 15 per cent commission — to be deducted from his balance. It was at this point, according to police, that he realised he had been defrauded and approached the cybercrime police station.

The Arrests: How Police Tracked the Accused

The initial investigation led to the arrest of Narendra Mali, whose bank account had allegedly received part of the fraud proceeds. During interrogation, Mali reportedly disclosed that he had withdrawn the money and handed it over to Bhargav Solanki, Tinkesh Padhiyar, and Mehul Kachhua — all associated with Malgarh in Deesa, Banaskantha district.

Police conducted repeated searches in Deesa, Gujarat and Rajasthan for the three men without initial success. Investigators subsequently analysed bank account records, mobile phone data, call records of relatives, social media activity, and intelligence from human sources. Information eventually emerged that Solanki and Kachhua would return to their homes in Malgarh on 12 September to celebrate Bhadarva Beej. Acting on this tip, the cybercrime team apprehended both men and initiated legal proceedings.

According to police, ₹18.70 lakh of the allegedly defrauded amount was traced to Kachhua's bank account. A third accused, Tinkesh Padhiyar, remains at large.

Funds Partly Recovered via Cyber Helpline

Police contacted the 1930 cyber fraud helpline after obtaining details of the complainant's bank accounts and initiated recovery steps. As a result, ₹53,97,797 has reportedly already been returned to Petigara following the complaint. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — including Sections 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), 316(2), 319(2), 318(4) and 61(2) — as well as Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, as amended in 2008.

Police Advisory: Red Flags to Watch For

The Valsad Cyber Crime Police issued a public advisory urging citizens to exercise caution with investment offers circulated through WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram, or via unknown links. Authorities specifically warned against schemes promising 'daily profit', 'guaranteed returns', 'double money', or 'VIP Trading Group' memberships.

Police also advised against downloading trading or investment applications at the request of unknown persons, and against sharing OTPs, UPI PINs, passwords, bank details, or trading account information. Investors were urged to verify the SEBI registration and authorisation of any company, broker, or financial adviser before committing funds.

With one accused still being tracked, the investigation remains active — and the case underscores a growing pattern of WhatsApp-based investment scams targeting individuals across Gujarat.