Belagavi Police have arrested two individuals for their alleged involvement in an online fraud racket operating under the guise of “Work From Home” jobs and government loan schemes.
The accused, Megha Maradolkar from Belagavi, was apprehended in Goa, while Hyderali Ghulamali Ujjainwala, a 67-year-old, was arrested in Mumbai. The case surfaced in late February after a complaint was filed by a local resident, Manasi, prompting an investigation by the Cyber, Economic and Narcotic Crime wing.
According to police, Megha targeted unsuspecting individuals by offering remote job opportunities and assistance in securing government loans. She then used their personal documents to open bank accounts without informing them of the fraudulent intent. These accounts were used as mule accounts to route stolen money. A search at her residence led to the recovery of details linked to 72 such bank accounts opened in the names of Belagavi residents.
Investigations further revealed that Megha sent bank kits and passbooks to Hyderali in Mumbai. He, along with his son Idris Ali, associate Aziz Bora, and Megha’s daughter Shivani, allegedly handled the movement and distribution of funds within a larger network.
Police have identified fraudulent transactions amounting to over ₹1.27 crore so far. Of the accounts traced, 47 are linked to 144 cybercrime complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
The operation was led by ACP B.S. Mantur and Inspector S.N. Gabi under the supervision of Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulabarao, who commended the team for tracking the inter-state network.
Both accused are currently in judicial custody, and efforts are ongoing to locate other members involved. Police have advised citizens to stay alert and avoid sharing personal documents or opening bank accounts on behalf of others offering guaranteed jobs or loans.
