Mumbai motorbike shop owner promises to give vehicles to 60 people, flees with advance

Police said complainants, mostly from Borivli and Kandivli, had booked motorbikes ahead of Diwali and were to get them after the festival.

The police on Thursday booked the owner and manager of a motorbike shop, Jayna Auto Store, in Borivli who allegedly fled after taking advance payment for the vehicles from 60 people.

Police suspect buyers have been collectively cheated of Rs20 lakh, which may rise if more people file complaints. (REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTO ONLY) (HT File)

According to the police, the complainants, mostly from Borivli and Kandivli, booked the motorbikes ahead of Diwali and were to take possession after the festival.

On October 19, when they reached the shop, they found it shut. Suspecting the duo has fled, they approached the police.

“In the past one week, at least 60 people have complained about cheating. We have registered a case of against the owner and the manager,” said Gunaji Sawant, senior inspector at Borivli police station.

The police suspect the buyers have been cheated of Rs20 lakh, which may rise if more people file complaints.

The Borivli police found the shop was running for the past 2-3 years.

The police have collected supporting documents from the complainants and have booked the duo under section 420 of the Indian Penal Code. The police are trying to trace Jain and are questioning his acquaintances.