Ex-armyman cheated of Rs 50 lakh, three held

VADODARA: A retired army officer registered a complaint of cheating against three residents of Waghodia Road at Panigate police station on Saturday. The trio first promised retired officiating captain Pradhyuman Pandey to help him buy a piece of land and later took cash of Rs 50 lakh from him under the pretext of exchanging old currency notes with new.
According to the police, Pandey knew Zala Kachrabhai Bharwad and Zala Ladhrabhai Bharwad through his profession of land broking.The duo told Pandey that they will help him buy a piece of land that he wanted. As per the plan they left for Dharmaj in Anand to buy the land on November 11 with the cash.
When they reached Dharmaj, the third accused Bhana Bharwad joined them and told them that the deal was cancelled. Bhana told Pandey that he can get the old notes exchanged with his acquaint farmer in Tarapur, who had recently sold his crop. Bhana also demanded 10% commission from Pandey for getting the notes exchanged.
Believing his words, Pandey gave money to Bhana, who then went to Tarapur alone. When Bhana did not return till many hours, Pandey called him. Bhana told him that he was being followed by some men. Pandey asked him to return. When Bhana reached the place where Pandey and other two were waiting for him, he told him that three unidentified persons nabbed him and took away the cash.
Later Pandey had a doubt about what Bhana had told him and registered an official complaint on Saturday.