Sanpada: A construction businessman from Thane was allegedly robbed of Rs 5 lakh after being lured with a promise of securing a Rs 1.5-crore project loan. The accused reportedly staged a fake police operation in Sanpada, assaulted the businessman and escaped with the cash. Sanpada police have registered a case against a six-member gang and launched an investigation.

The complainant, Riyaz Ahmed Khan, 42, from Balkumbh, was allegedly approached in September by his acquaintance Rohan Patil from Nashik, who asked whether he was seeking a project loan. Patil later introduced Khan to two associates, Kantilal and Kishanlal, over a conference call.

Kantilal allegedly claimed he could arrange a Rs 1.5-crore loan and told Khan that Rs 5 lakh was needed to “manage” a bank manager for loan approval. After initial document verification in Kalyan, Khan was asked to bring the cash near the food street outside Sanpada railway station on October 6.

Khan arrived with his friend Shailesh Bokre and handed over the money. Kishanlal was present when several men allegedly arrived in a white Ertiga, posing as police officers. They reportedly claimed Kishanlal was a criminal and attempted to take him away forcibly.

Amid the commotion, Khan was allegedly assaulted with a wooden stick. Kishanlal then allegedly snatched the bag containing Rs 5 lakh and fled with his accomplices.

Khan approached the Sanpada police, who later showed him photographs of suspects. He identified Kishanlal, who police found was also known as Sukhwinder Jasbir Singh Dham. A case has been registered under Sections 309(6) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.