The 69-year-old Bollywood and television actor Rakesh Bedi was duped by a cyber crime posing as an army soldier. In the process, the actor lost Rs 85,000, but his prompt realisation spared him more financial harm.
Bedi informed the police that the accused, Aditya Kumar, had acquired his contact information from a real estate website where the actor had listed his flat in Pune for sale.
On December 25, the con artist asked to see photos of the property over the phone while pretending to be a possible buyer. He distributed fictitious identity cards from the government and army, complete with photos of himself in uniform.
The actor received word the next day that a senior official was considering buying the flat. Bedi was requested to start a Rs 1 GPay transaction in order to enable the transaction through an Army account. The defendant promised a token payment of Rs 50,000 to be transferred later.
The con artist said that because it included an Indian Army account, both accounts had to have a comparable balance in order for the transaction to be completed when Bedi informed him that he had not received the money. But after that, Bedi was instructed to send them the money, which he did. In addition, he completed two further transactions for Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000.
Bedi discovered the swindle after three transactions and requested a refund, but the con artist cut off all contact. On December 30, the actor lodged a complaint with the Oshiwara police.
Actor Rakesh Bedi is a veteran actor who has worked in both film and television for many years. He has appeared in television series such as Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Shrimati, Yes Boss, and Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain. Additionally, he has appeared in classic films like Mera Damaad and Chashme Buddoor.