Divorcee Hunter Dupes Pilot of ₹50 Lakh

A man, identified as Mehul Patel, aged 42, was apprehended in Wadala on Friday, concluding a seven-month period as a fugitive. Patel faces approximately 32 cases involving cheating, forgery, and impersonation across Mumbai and Bengaluru. His arrest was invalidated by the court due to the Bandra police failing to inform him of the grounds for his apprehension.

Patel's alleged criminal strategy involved identifying women, particularly divorcees and widows with substantial financial resources. He would then engage them through romantic overtures, employing a honey trap tactic under the guise of marriage, and subsequently abscond with their money. The most recent complainant, a pilot, was reportedly duped of ₹50 lakh after being promised marriage and business ventures.

This case follows a pattern; Patel had previously served 14 months in jail and went underground after his release, relocating to Bengaluru. He had allegedly lured the pilot through social media, building trust before soliciting investments for non-existent businesses. This pattern of deception has reportedly ensnared several other women.

Two victims present at the court expressed their distress following the accused's release. Advocate Akshita Prajapati noted that despite significant efforts to trace Patel and facilitate his arrest, a minor procedural oversight by the police led to his discharge. The victims lamented the outcome, attributing it to a technicality in the arrest process.