Vashi: In a major case of alleged fraud and breach of trust, three employees of a prominent bar in Vashi have been accused of siphoning off liquor stock worth more than Rs 1.37 crore over nearly 20 months and selling it in the black market.

The Vashi Police have registered a case against the trio and launched a search operation to trace and arrest the accused.

According to police, complainant Gordon Burge Serrao (46), a resident of Vashi and owner of the popular Sagar Restaurant and Bar in Sector 17, had entrusted the management of liquor inventory, daily operations, and excise-related documentation to his longtime bartender, Nilesh Mahadev Patil. Having worked with Serrao for nearly 15 years, Patil enjoyed the owner's complete confidence.

The alleged fraud came to light in January 2026 when Serrao began receiving calls from liquor distributors regarding outstanding payments. Since the establishment followed a policy of clearing supplier bills within three days, the complaints raised suspicion and prompted an internal audit.

Police said, “During questioning, Patil allegedly confessed to the wrongdoing. He reportedly told investigators that he had become addicted to online gambling through a game-show application called CBTF and was in desperate need of money.”

Investigations revealed that Patil allegedly conspired with Vinayak Patil, a bouncer-cum-security guard, and Kunal Bhagat, manager of Serrao’s second outlet in Belapur. The duo allegedly informed him about a strong demand for liquor in the black market and offered attractive commissions for supplying stock illegally.

Acting on the plan, Patil allegedly began placing excess liquor orders in the name of the Vashi outlet from April 2024 onwards. Every month, he reportedly ordered two to three additional cases of premium liquor beyond actual requirements. The extra stock was allegedly diverted and handed over to the other accused for resale.

A detailed financial review conducted by the restaurant’s accountant for the period between April 2024 and December 2025 found that liquor worth Rs 1,37,06,338 had been illegally diverted.

Based on Serrao’s complaint, police booked Nilesh Mahadev Patil, Vinayak Patil, and Kunal Bhagat under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. “Further investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to apprehend the accused,” police said.