TV actress Masumi Mevawala arrested in Rs 1.17 crore food‑business fraud
Television actress Masumi Mevawala — known for her stint in the popular soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi — was arrested in Mumbai along with her father, Rajesh Mevawala, and brother, Bhargav Mevawala, after police accused the trio of cheating a 60‑year‑old woman of Rs 1.17 crore through a fraudulent samosa–vada pav investment scheme.
How the alleged scam unfolded
- The case reportedly began in 2022 when the victim was introduced to Rajesh Mevawala while visiting her jailed husband at Arthur Road Jail.
- Masumi and Bhargav allegedly pitched a private food‑chain business promising attractive daily returns. To win trust, they initially paid the complainant small amounts — about Rs 2,000 daily — after she invested Rs 25 lakh.
- Encouraged by early payouts, the woman increased her investments over time, ultimately putting in Rs 1.17 crore. The accused then allegedly switched off their phones and disappeared.
- This is reportedly the seventh similar case filed against Masumi and her father across Mumbai, with victims often being senior citizens, particularly women.
Police action and legal charges
Bangur Nagar Police traced the Mevawala family to their Lower Parel residence on November 28 using technical surveillance and human intelligence. They were booked under the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act, 1999, and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to cheating and forgery.
Investigators say Rajesh had secured bail in 2023 and victims attempted a collective loan agreement in 2024, but no promised returns were paid — prompting the FIR and renewed probe. Authorities are now tracing the money trail amid multiple ongoing cases.
Why this matters
This arrest highlights a worrying trend: frauds dressed up as small business investment opportunities, often targeting vulnerable elderly people. Police warn investors to be cautious of schemes promising quick, guaranteed daily profits and to verify credentials before parting with money.
