Fake ISRO Scientist Arrested in Pune for Duping Woman of Rs 26.5 Lakh on Matrimonial Site

Pune, 18th April 2026: The Yerwada Police have arrested a 34-year-old serial conman who impersonated an ISRO scientist to defraud a 43-year-old woman of Rs 26.5 lakh under the pretext of marriage. The accused, a notorious history-sheeter with 11 prior cheating cases registered across Maharashtra, was nabbed after evading authorities for months.

The accused has been identified as Adarsh Prashant Mhatre, a resident of Alibaug and Panvel. Police revealed that he frequently changed his identity to trap victims on matrimonial platforms, using fake names such as Swapnil Varule, Hemant Gaikar, and Jayesh Patil.

According to the police, the complainant, 43-year-old woman HR professional, was approached by the accused through a matrimonial platform. Between June and September 2025, the accused, introducing himself as Swapnil Varule, actively communicated with her. To gain her absolute trust and establish a highly credible persona, he falsely claimed to be a scientist working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Swayed by his prestigious fake profile and promises of marriage, the victim fell into his trap.

Once her trust was secured, the accused claimed he was purchasing a plot in Panvel to secure his daughter’s education and financial future but was falling short of funds. To make his scheme appear legitimate, he introduced two individuals—identified as Vinita Kande and Prem Mhatre—claiming they were relatives who managed his finances. Persuaded by the accused, the victim transferred a total of Rs 26.50 lakh to various bank accounts through online transactions.

An FIR regarding the incident was registered at the Yerwada Police Station on January 10, 2026, under Sections 319(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. Following a meticulous investigation, the police finally arrested the absconding accused on the night of April 15, 2026.

Speaking about the arrest, Senior Police Inspector Anjum Bagwan, in-charge of the Yerwada police station, said, “The accused is a habitual offender with a highly notorious track record. He already has 11 prior cases of cheating registered against him at various police stations across the state, including Rabale, APMC, Khadakpada, Sangvi, and Dindoshi. He specifically targeted educated women through matrimonial websites by impersonating high-ranking officials like an ISRO scientist and emotionally manipulating them. We have secured his custody to trace the defrauded amount of Rs 26.5 lakh, freeze the bank accounts involved, and probe the possibility of a larger organized syndicate operating behind this racket.”

Police Inspector (Crime) Vijay Thakar is investigating the case. The accused is currently in police custody.