Fraud poses as civic official, takes shopkeepers for a 'ride' in Bhopal; arrested

A man has been arrested in Bhopal for allegedly defrauding at least 10 shopkeepers by posing as a civic official. The accused, identified as Anil Mishra, allegedly used the pretext of making online payments after purchasing goods from shops in the city's New Market to dupe his unsuspecting targets.He would pose as a municipal corporation official and use his supposed credentials to gain the confidence of shopkeepers, the police said. According to officials, he would visit shops wearing a face mask and purchase goods.At the time of payment, he would allegedly claim that he was facing a technical problem with online payments and could not complete the transaction. He would then ask the shopkeeper to send an employee with him, promising to make the payment after reaching home, the police said.The shopkeepers, believing his assurances, would send their employees along with him. Police said Mishra would then look for an isolated or poorly lit stretch on the way and, on some pretext, get the shop's employee to get out of the vehicle. He would subsequently flee the spot with the goods. After the employee returned from the ride, the shopkeeper would realise that they had been cheated.After a series of such incidents, shopkeepers in the market became cautious. When Mishra returned to the area, some of them recognised him and caught him. He was subsequently handed over to the police.PRIOR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND Police said their investigation has also revealed that cases are registered against Mishra at other police stations. Investigators are now examining his previous record and complaints to determine whether he has carried out similar offences elsewhere.Police also said that Mishra has a prior criminal background and has multiple cases registered against him at other police stations. Investigators are now examining the other cases and police complaints to determine whether he has carried out similar offences elsewhere.- Ends(Based on inputs from Dharmendra Sahu)Published On: Aug 16, 2026 07:53 IST