Mumbai: Mango seller duped by ‘Good Samaritans’ in Kandivali

The mangoes were sold at Rs 950 per dozen. Representation pic

A fruit vendor was allegedly duped by two individuals, who gave him a fake cheque after purchasing 40 dozen mangoes that they claimed were to be distributed to the poor at various temples. The Kandivali police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

According to the complaint, Mohammed Nazrul Islam, 27, a native of Jharkhand who runs a mango shop on Mathuradas Road, Kandivli West, was approached by two men - one aged 70-75 years and the other around 30-35 years - at his shop in the first week of April. They arrived in a car, and the younger man introduced himself as the manager of the elderly man.

The so-called manager informed Islam that they required 40 dozen mangoes. After some bargaining, Islam agreed to sell the mangoes at Rs 950 per dozen, with the total cost amounting to Rs 41,800. The elderly man claimed that the mangoes were intended for distribution among the poor at the Jalaram Temple in Dadar and assured Islam that payment would be made via cheque.

Initially, Islam refused and demanded cash. However, considering that the mangoes were to be distributed to the poor, he agreed to accept a cheque. The manager handed over the cheque and, since it was a Sunday and banks were closed, advised Islam to deposit it the following day. When Islam deposited the cheque the next day, it bounced due to a signature mismatch. Realising he had been defrauded, Islam approached the Kandivali police and filed a complaint.

"Based on Islam's complaint, we have registered a case under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and have initiated a probe into the matter," said an officer from Kandivali police station.