Pune: Serial ATM Fraudster from Karnataka Arrested for Targeting Senior Citizens at ATMs
Pune, 18th February 2025: A serial fraudster from Karnataka has been arrested in Pune for targeting senior citizens at ATMs across the city over the past month. Pune Police apprehended Raju Pralhad Kulkarni, 54, from Mysore, Karnataka, uncovering 16 cases of fraud and recovering stolen goods worth 14 lakh rupees, including a car, motorcycle, cash, and 166 ATM cards.
Kulkarni’s modus operandi involved offering assistance to elderly individuals at ATMs, then stealing their cards and obtaining their PINs. He would then swap the genuine card with a defunct one, claiming the ATM was malfunctioning. After the victim left, Kulkarni would use the stolen card to withdraw money from their account.
The arrest came following an incident on 2nd February at a bank ATM in Ganjve Chowk within the Vishrambaug Police Station limits. The technical investigation led the Vishrambaug Police to identify Kulkarni as the suspect, who had fled to Karnataka after committing the crime.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Sandeep Singh Gill revealed that Kulkarni had defrauded at least 21 senior citizens. The fraudster targeted areas with high concentrations of retired individuals, striking during the first week of the month when pension payments are typically deposited.
Kulkarni’s criminal activities spanned various parts of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, including Vishrambaug, Bibvewadi, Sinhagad Road, Kothrud, Vishrantwadi, Shivajinagar, Sahakar Nagar, and the Alandi area. He reportedly spent the ill-gotten gains on enjoyment with a female companion.
The successful operation was carried out under the guidance of Additional Commissioner of Police (West) Pravin Kumar Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Singh Gill and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Vishrambaug Division) Sainath Thombre. Senior Police Inspector (in charge of Vishrambaug Police Station) Vijayamala Pawar led the team.
