Mumbai: Elderly Woman Duped of Rs 2 Lakh Gold Bangles by Fake Cops

Mumbai, 10th June 2025: In yet another alarming case of street fraud targeting senior citizens, a 70-year-old woman was looted of gold bangles worth ₹1.95 lakh by two men impersonating police officers. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning near New Link Road in Kandivali, and a case has been registered at the Charkop Police Station.

The victim, Godavari Singh, a resident of Malad, was on her way to offer chapatis to a cow — a routine religious practice — when two men on a motorcycle approached her. Claiming to be police officers, they engaged her in a conversation. Under the pretext of safety concerns, the men snatched her two gold bangles, weighing about 30 grams, and fled the spot.

Once Singh realized she had been cheated, she promptly approached the police and lodged a complaint. Based on her report, Charkop police have filed a case under Sections 420 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy against two unidentified persons.

Police officials warn that such scams are on the rise, particularly targeting elderly individuals. Fraudsters often pose as police officers, tricking citizens into removing or handing over their jewellery for “safety checks” or with false warnings. The thieves commonly swap or snatch jewellery during conversations, taking advantage of the public’s trust in law enforcement.

Authorities are urging citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain vigilant and always demand official identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer. The Mumbai Police has also appealed to the public not to fall for inducements or fear-based tactics, and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to identify the culprits using CCTV footage and local intelligence.