Mumbai Court Grants Bail to Nashik Businessman in Digital Scam

Mumbai Sessions Court has granted bail to Nashik-based businessman Ankush More in a digital arrest scam case. The case involves the alleged receipt of Rs 90 lakh in More's company account, which was said to be proceeds of a crime.

The scam came to light when Madhu Bajaj filed a complaint with the Cyber Police Station in Mumbai on January 23, 2025, alleging that she was defrauded of Rs 8.60 crore between December 12, 2024, and December 16, 2024. The prosecution claimed that the money trail led to More's company account, where Rs 90 lakh was transferred and then siphoned off to different accounts.

More's lawyers argued that he was not involved in the scam and that the amount was received in his company's account without his knowledge. They claimed that More had given his account details to Abhishek Gite for business purposes, but Gite had misused them. When More discovered that his account had been compromised, he immediately reported it to his banker and the local police.

The court found More's defence credible, noting that he had lodged a complaint with the Gangapur Police Station in Nashik on December 21, 2024, after discovering the unauthorised access to his account. The court also observed that More had not withdrawn or utilised the Rs 90 lakh received in his company's account.

The prosecution had opposed the bail plea, arguing that More had handed over his bank documents and credentials to cybercriminals and received a commission. However, the court was not convinced by this argument, given More's prompt reporting of the lost bank credentials and the subsequent suspicious transactions.

The case highlights the importance of promptly reporting lost or compromised bank credentials to prevent further fraudulent activities. It also underscores the need for individuals to be cautious when sharing their account details with others, even for legitimate business purposes.

The digital arrest scam has been a growing concern in recent times, with many individuals falling prey to such scams. The case against More is a reminder that law enforcement agencies are taking steps to crack down on such scams and bring perpetrators to justice.

In this context, the grant of bail to More is significant, as it suggests that the court is willing to consider the circumstances of each case and not jump to conclusions based on the prosecution's claims. The case will continue to be monitored, and it remains to be seen how it will unfold in the coming days.

The incident serves as a reminder to Mumbai residents to be vigilant when it comes to their financial transactions and to report any suspicious activity immediately. It also highlights the need for greater awareness about digital scams and the importance of taking steps to prevent them.

In conclusion, the grant of bail to Ankush More in the digital arrest scam case is a significant development, and the case will continue to be watched closely. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prompt reporting of lost or compromised bank credentials and the need for individuals to be cautious when sharing their account details with others.