A Mumbai event management executive has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a Surat businessman of over Rs 1.41 crore by falsely promising live performances by Arijit Singh, Kapil Sharma, and Nora Fatehi. The arrest follows a complaint by Abhishek Borda, owner of Shubharambh Entertainment in Surat, who claimed he was misled into making payments for celebrity events that never materialized. The accused individuals, based in Mumbai, allegedly posed as influential figures in the entertainment industry with connections to Arijit Singh and other celebrities.
The complainant alleged that after initial payments and a memorandum of understanding, the promised Arijit Singh concert could not be arranged. Subsequently, events featuring Kapil Sharma and Nora Fatehi were proposed, with continued requests for funds for artists’ fees, travel, and accommodation. A total of Rs 1,43,12,422 was reportedly transferred to various accounts, but no events took place, leading to a refund request by the complainant. The accused issued security cheques, but a significant amount remained unpaid, and repayment cheques were allegedly dishonored.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Lakhdhir Singh Zala stated that investigations revealed the promises of celebrity performances were part of a fraudulent scheme. The accused, arrested in Mumbai, allegedly had no professional ties with the celebrities mentioned during negotiations. Police are scrutinizing financial transactions and communications to ascertain the extent of the alleged fraud.
