Nagpur: Two individuals, including a monk, have been accused of defrauding a 56-year-old woman of ₹10.5 lakh under the guise of partnership and profit-sharing in a travel venture. The incident took place in Buddha Nagar under Pachpaoli police jurisdiction.

According to the police, the complainant, Pratibha Chandrashekhar Nitanware, a resident of Aishwarya Bungalow, Buddha Nagar, was acquainted with the accused, identified as Nishant Chandramani Manavatkar (30) from Kapil Nagar, Nagpur, and Bhante Shivani Bodhanand Thero (47) from Buddhabhumi Mahavihar, Khairi, Kamptee Road, Nagpur. Between March 8, 2024, and June 1, 2024, the accused allegedly leveraged their acquaintance with the complainant and borrowed ₹10.5 lakh in cash and via cheques, citing various reasons.

Trusting their claims, the complainant provided the amount, which they allegedly used for their Mahabodhi Tourism venture. When she sought repayment, the accused promised to reimburse her through profits from the business but failed to fulfill their commitment, betraying her trust and causing financial losses.

A case under Sections 420, 406, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at Pachpaoli Police Station. Both accused were arrested but are currently out on bail.

The investigation revealed that the accused may have employed similar schemes to defraud other citizens in Nagpur and nearby areas. The police have urged potential victims to report such cases to Pachpaoli Police Station at 0712-2630618 or mobile numbers 7020753909 and 9673384660.