Pune Police Arrest Duo Using Fake UPI App to Steal Fuel, Targeted 50 Restaurants and Bars
Pune, 26th November 2025: The Faraskhana police have arrested a college peon and a private driver for allegedly using a fake UPI-based mobile application to steal fuel worth Rs 2,433, ending a months-long spree targeting restaurants, bars, and fuel stations across the city.
Police said the suspects, identified as Jalindar Ghatole (24) from Parvati and Irfan Shaikh (28) from Sahakarnagar, arrived at a petrol station around 2.30 am on Tuesday and asked the attendant to fill their vehicle’s tank. They then showed a counterfeit proof of payment through a fraudulent app.
“These fake apps imitate legitimate UPI platforms, generating convincing transaction screenshots and confirmations without transferring any money,” explained Sub-Inspector Pranil Chougule. “The scanner simply reads the QR code and displays a fabricated amount. No actual transfer takes place.”
The incident came to light when the petrol station staff, led by attendant Sameer Qazi (35), questioned the payment. The duo reportedly tried to argue and then fled the scene after issuing threats.
Using CCTV footage and the vehicle’s registration details, investigators tracked the suspects and recovered their phones. “During questioning, the two admitted to using the same fake app to cheat approximately 50 restaurants and bars in the city over the past few months,” Chougule said. He added that Ghatole has a prior arrest under the Arms Act.
Police have urged affected businesses to come forward and report similar incidents, warning merchants to be cautious while accepting digital payments from unfamiliar apps, especially those downloaded from unofficial sources.
