Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi and husband accused in Rs 11.50 crore fraud case

Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi and her husband, Vivek Kumar alias Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan, have been booked by the Mumbai Police for allegedly defrauding a Mumbai-based customs clearance agent of Rs 11.50 crore. The complaint, lodged by Hitesh Kantilal Ajmera, who operates a customs clearance business, claims that the couple enticed him with false assurances of weighty returns and strong connections within the film industry. Based on his complaint, the Pantnagar police registered an FIR in the case on Wednesday, January 28.As per ANI, in the FIR, the complainant stated that Akanksha and Vivek projected themselves as influential personalities in the film industry, boasting immense wealth and strong connections. He further mentioned that the actress claimed to own a film studio and an artists’ training center located in Andheri.The complainant further claimed that he was convinced to invest after being promised ownership of a studio, fame, and a return of Rs 200 crore, without any interest. He alleged that Vivek Kumar told him he possessed Rs 300 crore in cash stored in a warehouse in Bettiah, Bihar, but the funds were held up due to legal complications. To win his confidence, Kumar allegedly assured him that if he helped release the money, he would receive Rs 200 crore within four days.From March to July 2024, the complainant allegedly transferred Rs 11.50 crore to several bank accounts given by the accused. He also stated that he was taken to Patna, where he was shown documents associated with the alleged warehouse.According to the FIR, on July 5, 2024, while traveling toward Bettiah, Vivek Kumar stepped out of the car, saying he was going to purchase sweets. The complainant alleged that Kumar never came back, and his phone was later found switched off. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter.