Shahapur Police have finally arrested a man accused of cheating hundreds of women and a few auto drivers by luring them with the promise of home-based employment. The accused allegedly collected money from each person under the pretext of offering agarbatti (incense stick) packing work, defrauding victims of several lakhs of rupees.
The Incident
The accused had been operating under the name B.M. Group Mahila Gruh Udyog Sangh, posing as a legitimate women’s self-employment unit. Before assigning any work, he collected ₹2,500 from each woman, promising a payment of ₹3,000 as wages after completion of the task. However, once the money was collected, neither work was provided nor the money refunded, resulting in widespread financial fraud.
Following the fraud, hundreds of women staged a protest march to the District Collector’s office and later submitted a memorandum to the Police Commissioner demanding justice. During a recent meeting held at Sai Bhavan in Khade Bazar last week, victims had urged the police to arrest the accused immediately, which increased public pressure on law enforcement to act swiftly.
Complaint and Arrest
Based on a complaint filed by Laxmi Anand Kamble, a resident of Patil Galli, Khade Bazar, on October 25, 2025, Shahapur Police registered a case. During investigation, the accused was identified as Babasaheb Laxman Kolekar (35), a native of Jaloli, Pandharpur Taluk, currently residing at Purasangvi, Pune.
Under the guidance of Shahapur Police Inspector S. S. Seemani, the accused was arrested on November 4, 2025, and further investigation is underway.
Investigation Team
The operation was led by PSI Manikanth Pujari, Mrs. S. N. Basava (Investigation Officer), Manoj Bhajantri (CCB), and police personnel S. M. Guddadigol, Shridhar Talwar, Ajit Shipure, along with technical expert Ramesh Akki, who all played key roles in solving the case.
The Belagavi City Police Commissioner has appreciated the efforts of the investigating team for their prompt and effective action in the case.