Navi Mumbai Man Arrested For Impersonating Crime Branch Officer

A 44-year-old man, identified as Pranav alias Santosh Walunje, was arrested by Panvel City Police on July 13, 2026, for allegedly impersonating a senior Crime Branch officer and cheating a Panvel-based realtor of ₹4.75 lakh.

The accused allegedly wore a police uniform with three stars on his shoulders and carried a fake police identity card to gain the trust of the complainant, Satyavan Vasant Gharat, a 52-year-old real estate businessman. Gharat had around ₹15-16 lakh stuck with several people, which the accused exploited to cheat him.

According to the police, the accused was introduced to Gharat by his friend, Sandeep Ghangave, who claimed that Walunje was a senior Crime Branch officer capable of recovering the pending amount. The accused, along with his accomplices, Mahadev Kondilkar and Nathuram Pawar, visited Gharat's residence dressed in full police uniform and claimed that he specialised in recovering money for people involved in financial disputes.

Gharat allegedly paid the trio ₹2 lakh as commission and shared details of the persons who owed him money. However, instead of recovering the dues, the accused allegedly approached two persons known to Gharat and collected ₹2.75 lakh in his name, posing as police officers and threatening them with legal action.

When Gharat demanded the return of his money, the accused allegedly avoided him and continued to intimidate him by misusing the name of the police. He subsequently lodged a complaint with Panvel City Police, which registered a case against Walunje, Kondilkar, and Pawar under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The police arrested Walunje from Taloja, while efforts are underway to trace the two absconding accused. The police are also investigating whether the accused cheated others using a similar modus operandi.

The incident highlights the need for people to be cautious when dealing with individuals who claim to be police officers or government officials. It is essential to verify the identity and credentials of such individuals before trusting them with sensitive information or money.

The police have advised people to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. In this case, the prompt action by the Panvel City Police has led to the arrest of the main accused, and efforts are being made to bring the other accused to justice.

The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens in Navi Mumbai. The police have assured that they are taking all necessary measures to prevent such incidents and to protect the citizens from falling prey to such scams.

In recent times, there have been several instances of impersonation and cheating in Navi Mumbai, and the police have been cracking down on such activities. The arrest of Walunje is a significant step in this direction, and it is hoped that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar activities.

The police are also working to create awareness among the citizens about the importance of verifying the identity and credentials of individuals who claim to be police officers or government officials. This is essential to prevent such incidents and to ensure that citizens are not cheated or misled.

In conclusion, the arrest of Pranav alias Santosh Walunje is a significant development in the fight against impersonation and cheating in Navi Mumbai. It highlights the need for citizens to be cautious and vigilant when dealing with individuals who claim to be police officers or government officials, and it underscores the importance of verifying the identity and credentials of such individuals before trusting them with sensitive information or money.

The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. By doing so, citizens can help prevent such incidents and ensure that those involved in such activities are brought to justice.

As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the police will be able to uncover more details about the accused and his accomplices, and that they will be able to bring them to justice. The citizens of Navi Mumbai can be assured that the police are working tirelessly to prevent such incidents and to protect them from falling prey to such scams.

The significance of this incident cannot be overstated, as it highlights the need for citizens to be aware of their surroundings and to be cautious when dealing with individuals who claim to be police officers or government officials. It also underscores the importance of the police's role in maintaining law and order and in protecting the citizens from such scams.

In the end, the arrest of Pranav alias Santosh Walunje is a welcome development, and it is hoped that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar activities. The citizens of Navi Mumbai can be assured that the police are working tirelessly to prevent such incidents and to protect them from falling prey to such scams.