Mumbai Lawyer Loses ₹5 Lakh to Fake Crime Branch Officers in Shocking Robbery

In a brazen daylight robbery, two individuals impersonating Crime Branch officers stole ₹5 lakh from a Mumbai-based lawyer, Tausif Sheikh. The incident occurred on September 7, when Sheikh, a 37-year-old Bandra resident, was depositing funds for his family’s money transfer business. The Khar police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the crime, which has left the lawyer and his family distraught.

The Deceptive Heist

Sheikh’s relatives run a travel and money transfer business, and he occasionally assists them with financial transactions. On the day of the incident, Sheikh’s brother entrusted him with ₹5.7 lakh to deposit into two client accounts. After depositing ₹70,000 at an ATM, two men approached him, claiming to be Crime Branch officials conducting an investigation. They requested that Sheikh accompany them for further questioning.

The imposters, posing as law enforcement officers, forcibly led Sheikh into a car where they interrogated him about the money in his possession. Threatening to file a case against him, they made it appear as if they were engaged in a larger operation that required their attention. After driving for a short distance, the men abandoned Sheikh near Santacruz and fled with ₹5 lakh in cash.

Immediate Police Action

Following the robbery, Sheikh returned home and informed his brother, who quickly reported the crime to the Khar police. The authorities immediately filed a case, charging the suspects with impersonation and robbery. The police have started reviewing CCTV footage from the ATM and surrounding areas in hopes of identifying the vehicle used in the crime and tracking down the suspects.

Description of the Suspects

The lawyer provided a detailed description of the two culprits. Both men are believed to be in their 30s and approximately 5.5 feet tall. One of the suspects was wearing a blue shirt and jeans, while the other was dressed in a white shirt and khaki pants.

The Khar police are actively pursuing leads, and the investigation remains ongoing as they work to bring the culprits to justice.

A Growing Concern

This incident highlights the alarming trend of criminals posing as law enforcement officials to commit crimes. The Khar police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior, especially when approached by individuals claiming to be officers without proper identification.