[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Accused ordered phones on Amazon, complained that he received an empty box and seek refund. He would then sell the phone on OLX or at Delhi’s Gaffar Market
In what could well be a mischievous take on the Start-Up India campaign, a 21-year-old Delhi youth bought over 166 expensive mobile phones from e-tailing major Amazon, sought refunds from the online citing a new excuse each time and sold off the phones in the grey market. While the con artist – identified as Tri Nagar resident Shivam Chopra – got arrested last week for duping Amazon, he had already made a neat Rs 50 lakh from his inimitable fraud.
Chopra, who had pursued a course in hotel management but failed to secure a job before he devised his plan to swindle Amazon, was arrested by the Delhi police on October 6. His interrogation has left the police, and perhaps even Amazon, stunned at the manner in which he executed the con for months without anyone smelling something fishy about his frequent orders for mobile phones on the e-tailing portal.
Sources said that Chopra, plagued by unemployment, began the fraud in March this year when, as a way to test his plan, he ordered two mobile phones from Amazon, sought a refund from the e-tailer and got refund vouchers in return without any hassles. Sensing that his plan could be executing with ease, Chopra then began ordering expensive mobile phones from the online portal – placing orders from handsets manufactured by companies like Apple, Samsung and OnePlus – and then cooking up some excuse to demand a refund.
The police said that Chopra would sell the phones either on another online marketplace OLX or in the national capital’s infamous Gaffar Market. Identified by the US Trade Representative as one of the world’s “notorious markets” in global piracy in 2014, Gaffar Market, has a thriving business of selling second-hand as well as pirated mobile phones without the buyer or seller facing hassles like providing a bill or identity documents.
The police have also arrested Chopra’s accomplice, a telecom store owner identified as 38-year-old Sachin Jain. Chopra had roped in Jain to provide him with as many as 141 pre-activated SIM cards for a mere Rs 150 per card. Chopra allegedly used different SIM cards to place his multiple orders with Amazon, citing a new customer name and residential address each time.
Police sources said that all delivery addresses given by Chopra were of places around his actual Tri Nagar residence. Once a delivery associate from Amazon would reach the address mentioned against the order, he would invariably call Chopra to verify his whereabouts, police said, adding that the conman would then guide the associate to his actual residence and take the delivery. Chopra would then call up the customer care helpline of Amazon or log on to the portal and complain that he had received an “empty box” following which – in accordance with the policy of the e-tailer – he would get a refund voucher for the value of the phone he had placed an order for. Chopra would next head to Gaffar Market or put up the phone on OLX and sell it off.
“This modus operandi was repeated for all 166 orders that were placed by the accused between April and May this year,” said Milind Dumbere, deputy commissioner of police (north west).
Chopra’s fraud came to light when Amazon realised that nearly 150 complaints of getting “empty boxes” against orders for expensive mobile phones had been received from the same area (Tri Nagar).
The police have also seized 19 mobile phones, Rs 12 lakh in cash and 40 bank passbooks and cheques from Chopra’s residence. Sources said Chopra had also stashed Rs 10 lakh in cash with a friend for “safekeeping”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The much-anticipated teaser for L2: Empuraan, the second chapter of the planned trilogy directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been unveiled, offering a glimpse of a darker, more brutal narrative. Starring Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, the film continues the story of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, a character that mesmerized audiences in Lucifer.
The teaser debuted at a grand event attended by the film’s key players, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj, and Mammootty, who released the teaser in style. Clocking in at 143 seconds, the preview immediately sets a grim tone, beginning in Qaraqosh, a war-torn town in Iraq. The atmosphere is tense, underscored by the chilling phrase, “Death to the Evil.”
One of the standout moments in the teaser recalls PK Ramdas (Sachin Khedekar) advising Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier) in the first film: “If one day you feel everything is falling apart and I’m not around, the only person you can turn to is Stephen.” This sentiment reverberates through the teaser as it shifts to Stephen’s iconic black Ambassador car, now layered with dust—an ominous sign of his long absence.
The suspense builds as a voice declares, “He leads the most powerful mercenary group in Asia,” introducing audiences to Stephen’s transformation into a figure commanding immense influence and fear. The teaser’s climactic moments highlight Mohanlal’s commanding return as Khureshi Ab’raam, warning of the perils of dealing with the devil.
Star-Studded Cast and Stellar Crew
Joining Mohanlal in this cinematic spectacle are Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and others reprising their roles from Lucifer. The film also features Saniya Iyappan, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh, Fazil, and Sachin Khedekar in key roles.
The story, penned by Murali Gopy, is brought to life with the expertise of cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev, editor Akhilesh Mohan, and composer Deepak Dev, whose score amplifies the teaser’s intensity.
As the teaser hints at power struggles, deceit, and vengeance, L2: Empuraan sets the stage for an explosive continuation of this gripping saga, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release.
The Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has officially announced the results for the Winter 2024 diploma exams. Students who appeared for these exams, held in December 2024, can now access their results on MSBTE’s official website, msbte.org.in.
To check the MSBTE Winter Exam Result 2025, candidates must have their enrollment or seat numbers ready. The results are accessible via a direct link available on the website.
Navigate to the “Examination” section and click on “Winter 2024 Exam Result.”
Enter your enrollment number or seat number in the required fields.
Click on the “Show Result” button to view your marksheet.
Download and save the PDF for future reference.
Details mentioned on the MSBTE Winter Diploma results:
The MSBTE Winter Diploma Marksheet 2025 includes the following information:
Student’s name
Register number
Course name
Marks obtained in each subject
Subject codes and names
Total marks
Maximum marks
Result status (Pass/Fail)
The announcement is crucial for diploma students across Maharashtra as it determines their academic progress and eligibility for future courses or career opportunities.
Students are advised to verify all details on their marksheets and contact the board in case of discrepancies. For further updates, visit the official MSBTE website.
The Waqf Amendment Bill is poised for a final vote on January 29 in the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The committee had been tasked with reviewing the bill by November 29, which was then extended to February 13, approved 14 changes to the draft. The 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were rejected by its chairman BJP MP Jagadambika Pal.
The Opposition had accused the BJP of bias in several sittings of the committee leading to the suspension of several MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee of Trinamool Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM, both vocal critics of the Bill.
The Opposition MPs had also written to Speaker Om Birla against Pal, saying he was rushing the Bill to gain political mileage ahead of the Delhi Assembly election due to be held on February 5.
Earlier, reports had said Banerjee had broken a glass during a verbal altercation while in deliberations with BJP MP and former Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay.
The Bill aims to reform Waqf Board administration, mandating the inclusion of non-Muslim and women members. The Central Waqf Council’s composition would also change, incorporating a Union minister, MPs, ex-judges, and individuals of national repute, regardless of religious affiliation. Crucially, the Council’s land acquisition powers would be removed. A controversial clause restricts donations to Muslims practicing their faith for at least five years, prompting concerns about religious freedom.
While proponents claim the bill empowers Muslim women and children, critics, including the Congress and the DMK, allege it infringes upon Articles 15 and 30 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and the right of minorities to administer educational institutions. The final report is expected by January 31.
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