Mumbai: Fake Fire Officer Arrested For Extorting Money From Shopkeeper In Mahim

Mahim, 6th July 2023: In a recent development, the Mahim police have apprehended a fake fire officer who allegedly attempted to extort Rs 90,000 from a local businessman under the false pretence of lacking fire prevention measures. Authorities suspect that this individual may have deceived numerous others using similar tactics, prompting an ongoing investigation into his activities.

On April 30, the fake fire officer approached the owner of Gulzar Bakery, located on Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Marg of the Vashim. He informed the bakery owner about the lack of fire prevention and safety measures in the bakery. As a fine, the fake officer demanded a sum of Rs 90,000 from the bakery owner, including a Rs 30,000 deposit. Recognising the illegitimacy of the demand, the bakery owner reported the incident to the Mahim police station, resulting in the filing of a case of fraud against the individual.

Following a thorough investigation, the police successfully identified and apprehended a 24-year-old suspect, identified as Viddesh Gaikwad. During the arrest, law enforcement officers seized a fire brigade uniform from the accused, providing further evidence of his fraudulent activities. The police suspect that Gaikwad may have cheated the other shopkeepers using similar tactics. Authorities are currently probing where the accused got this information from and whether he had any accomplices who helped him in this cheating.