Gujarat has seen an alarming increase in cases involving fraud, with individuals assuming identities as fake Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) officials, police officers, transgender individuals, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) representatives, toll booth operators, Crime Investigation Department (CID) officers, judges, and even courts. Now, another shocking incident has come to light which involves a fake Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) who has been arrested in Bharuch.
The cybercrime police team in Bharuch arrested Chintan Patel, a conman who falsely presented himself as an MLA and tarnished the reputation of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) woman leader in the district. Patel posed for photographs with BJP leaders, labelled himself as an MLA on Facebook, and claimed to be a prominent businessman.
Despite being wanted for several crimes in Vadodara, Patel had managed to evade capture for an extended period.
He was also involved in deceiving multiple individuals, including women, with promises of financial gains, visa arrangements, and even claims of owning a gold mine abroad.
He also spread false allegations against the BJP woman leader by circulating doctored images on social media, prompting a cybercrime complaint against him.
A History-Sheeter!
Patel’s criminal history spans several districts in Gujarat, including Bharuch. A warrant under Section 70 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was issued by the sixth Additional Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class Court.
Patel had gained prominence on social media by sharing posts showcasing bundles of cash, claiming they were donations, and posting misleading information to build his credibility.
To solidify his fake identity, Patel printed visiting cards featuring the BJP symbol. His arrest by Bharuch cyber crime police has led to ongoing investigations, with authorities expecting to uncover further details about his activities in the coming days.
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