**Mumbai Contractor Arrested for Duping Astrologer of ₹74 Lakh Using Fake PMO Connections**

Mumbai’s Crime Branch Unit 11 has arrested 38-year-old contractor Ravi Narottam Sharma for allegedly defrauding a city-based astrologer of ₹74 lakh. Sharma reportedly duped the victim by falsely claiming he had high-level connections within the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

According to investigators, Sharma promised the victim two shops (gala) under the MHADA scheme in exchange for money. He claimed he could easily arrange these shops due to his supposed influence in the PMO. To gain the victim’s trust, Sharma went a step further by producing fake government office stamps, which have since been seized by the police.

**Forgery Raises Suspicions of a Wider Scam**

Sharma was produced before the Esplanade Court on Friday, where the police sought custody to conduct further investigations. During the proceedings, officers revealed that Sharma was found in possession of several forged seals from different government departments. This discovery has raised suspicions that he might have used these fake documents to deceive other victims in similar scams.

**Investigation Expands**

Police have now begun scrutinizing Sharma’s bank accounts and are looking into whether any associates, including government officials, were involved in the racket. A senior Crime Branch officer stated, “The scale of the racket appears to be larger than what has surfaced so far. Further interrogation is likely to reveal more shocking details.”

This case highlights the tactics fraudsters use to exploit the names of top government offices to trap unsuspecting citizens. Authorities have issued a warning, urging the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-contractor-held-for-duping-astrologer-of-74-lakh-with-fake-pmo-influence-claim