Marathi Actress Varsha Usgaonkar Among Victims of ₹47 Lakh Fraud by Fake Builder
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, March 5 (NationPress) Notable Marathi actress Varsha Usgaonkar is among several individuals who have allegedly been swindled out of approximately ₹47 lakh by a man impersonating a builder and film producer, according to the Mumbai Police.
A significant case of fraud connected to the Marathi film sector has emerged. The police report indicates that a man, who claimed to be a film producer and builder, has been charged with defrauding multiple actresses, including the prominent Varsha Usgaonkar, of nearly ₹47 lakh. A formal complaint has been lodged against the suspect, identified as Avinash Jadhav, at the Shivaji Park Police Station in Mumbai, leading to an ongoing investigation.
According to police reports, the primary complainant, Mrunalini Subhash Jambhale, is an actress involved in Marathi theatre and film. She had a professional relationship with Avinash Jadhav, who purportedly presented himself as a respected builder and film producer. He enticed her to invest in a construction venture in Dombivli, promising substantial returns in a short timeframe, along with a guarantee of full repayment within a year.
Between November 2019 and February 2020, Mrunalini Jambhale, Varsha Usgaonkar, and three others collectively transferred ₹47 lakh to Jadhav via checks and online transactions.
Initially, the accused returned ₹4.52 lakh to foster trust, but subsequently ceased payments. Victims claim that when they attempted to reach him multiple times, he changed his phone number and residence.
When they visited Dombivli seeking clarity, he reportedly threatened them, declaring he would not return their money and that they could do as they pleased.
Following the revelation of the scam, the victims lodged a complaint at Shivaji Park Police Station. Authorities have filed a case against Jadhav under IPC Sections 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) and have initiated an investigation.
Law enforcement is also looking into the possibility of additional victims who may have been similarly deceived by the accused.