Shahapur Police have arrested a man accused of duping hundreds of women and a few auto drivers by promising them home-based jobs. The accused allegedly collected money from each victim under the pretext of providing agarbatti (incense stick) packing work, cheating them of several lakhs of rupees.
The Incident
Operating under the name B.M. Group Mahila Gruh Udyog Sangh, the accused posed as the head of a women’s self-employment group. He collected ₹2,500 from each woman, assuring them a wage of ₹3,000 upon task completion. However, after taking the money, he neither assigned any work nor refunded the amount, leading to large-scale fraud.
Following this, hundreds of women protested at the District Collector’s office and later submitted a memorandum to the Police Commissioner demanding action. During a meeting at Sai Bhavan in Khade Bazar last week, the victims again urged police to arrest the accused, prompting swift action from law enforcement.
Complaint and Arrest
Based on a complaint filed by Laxmi Anand Kamble of Patil Galli, Khade Bazar, on October 25, 2025, Shahapur Police registered a case. The accused was identified as Babasaheb Laxman Kolekar (35), a native of Jaloli in Pandharpur Taluk, currently residing in Purasangvi, Pune.
Under the supervision of Shahapur Police Inspector S. S. Seemani, the accused was arrested on November 4, 2025. Further investigation is in progress.
Investigation Team
The operation was carried out by PSI Manikanth Pujari, Investigation Officer Mrs. S. N. Basava, Manoj Bhajantri (CCB), and constables S. M. Guddadigol, Shridhar Talwar, and Ajit Shipure, with technical assistance from Ramesh Akki. The Belagavi City Police Commissioner has commended the team for their prompt and effective action in cracking the case.
