In yet another case of online fraud, a resident of Ahmedabad has filed a complaint against a man who allegedly duped him of ₹17,500 under the pretext of offering his son a job in choreography and acting. Tulshibhai Shrimali filed his complaint at the Shaherkotda police station, which has initiated an investigation.

As per the complaint, Tulshibhai Shrimali of Saraspur, Ahmedabad, was contacted via a WhatsApp group named 'Guru Paran Samaj' on April 10, 2022. A poster was circulated in the group advertising job opportunities in choreography, singing, dancing, and modelling. The advertisement was allegedly posted by a man named Pradeep Pandya, who provided contact details for interested candidates.

Shrimali, hoping to secure a career opportunity for his son contacted Pandya, who demanded an initial registration fee of ₹5,500, citing that it was necessary to secure the position. Trusting the process, Shrimali transferred the amount through an online payment platform in January 2025. Subsequently, Pandya informed Shrimali that his son had been shortlisted for a film project in Goa, alongside actors Vikram Thakor and Mamta Soni. To cover flight expenses, an additional ₹12,000 was demanded, which Shrimali also transferred.

However, after making the payments, Shrimali noticed inconsistencies in Pandya’s responses. After repeated follow-ups, Pandya informed him that the film project had been cancelled. When Shrimali demanded a refund, Pandya kept delaying the matter and eventually stopped responding altogether.

Realising that he had been deceived, Shrimali lodged a formal complaint with the cyber helpline and later at Shaherkotda police station. The police have registered the case under relevant sections of fraud and are currently investigating the matter.

As per police officials they have started an investigation by trying to traced down the number, as per report officials believe that more people have been duped in similar way. Further developments in the case are awaited.