Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi, husband booked for cheating Mumbai businessman of Rs 11.5 crore

MUMBAI: Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi and her husband, Vivek Kumar alias Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan, have been booked by Mumbai Police for allegedly cheating a Mumbai-based customs clearance agent of Rs 11.50 crore.The complaint was filed by Hitesh Kantilal Ajmera, who is engaged in the customs clearance business. Hitesh approached the Pantnagar police, alleging that the couple lured him with false promises of high returns and claimed strong connections within the film industry.An FIR was registered on Wednesday, January 28, based on his complaint.According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that Akanksha and Vivek projected themselves as influential figures in the film industry, claiming immense wealth and strong connections. He further stated that the actress told him she owned a film studio and an artists’ training centre in Andheri.The complainant alleged that he was induced to invest with assurances of studio ownership, fame, and a Rs 200 crore return without any interest. He also claimed that Vivek Kumar told him he had Rs 300 crore in cash stored in a warehouse in Bihar’s Bettiah area, which was allegedly stuck due to legal complications.Between March and July 2024, the complainant alleged that he transferred ₹11.50 crore to multiple bank accounts provided by the accused. He also claimed that he was taken to Patna and shown documents purportedly related to the warehouse.The FIR further stated that on July 5, 2024, while they were travelling towards Bettiah, Vivek Kumar got out of the car on the pretext of buying sweets and never returned. The complainant alleged that Kumar later switched off his mobile phone.Police said an investigation into the matter is underway.(With agency inputs)