StarMaker App Fraud: Vadodara Woman Loses Over ₹23 Lakh to Bhopal Conman Posing as Devoted Son

Vadodara police have registered an FIR against a Madhya Pradesh-based man who allegedly cheated a senior citizen of over ₹23 lakhs after initiating contact through the Star Maker online singing application.

The victim, identified as Minuben Sadhi residing near Colebra on Sevasi Road, stated that she crossed paths with the accused, Hitesh Komallal Bhagora, on the digital platform back in 2022.

Trust exploited through fabricated medical emergencies

According to the police complaint filed at Vadodara's Gotri police station , the digital acquaintance quickly escalated into regular phone calls. The accused strategically addressed the senior citizen as a mother figure, sharing personal grievances to gain her confidence.

He soon claimed that his mother was critically ill and required urgent surgical intervention. Swayed by emotional manipulation, the victim pledged her gold jewellery with a finance company to arrange funds for him.

False documentation followed by severe blackmail threats

To cement his deception, Bhagora shared a forged identity card and executed a written agreement detailing a repayment timeline. However, once the initial funds were secured, the operation shifted from fraud to extortion.

The accused allegedly threatened to commit suicide and implicate her in false cases unless she continued transferring money. Investigators revealed that the victim paid a total of ₹23.19 lakh over time, receiving a meager ₹1.55 lakh in return, while the remaining sum of over ₹21 lakh was withheld alongside continuous intimidation.

Police launch manhunt for Bhopal-based suspect

Gotri police station officials have booked the suspect, whose addresses span Panchsheel Society near St Mary's School in Bhopal and Brahmabag Society in Indore.

Law enforcement authorities are currently tracing digital trails and financial transactions to apprehend the accused and recover the defrauded savings.