The Kotwali police have filed a fraud case against a tax consultant who allegedly deceived a property dealer by taking Rs 32.50 lakh under the guise of paying advance tax.

Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yamin (54), a resident of Mahal, complained to the police against Anil Shivnath Singh Thakur (52) from Nirmalnagar, Umred Road. Yunus had sold land in Besa to Sagar Developers for Rs 2.80 crore and deposited the amount in bank accounts.

In need of paying advance tax for the fiscal year 2022-23, Yunus visited Thakur's office in Nirmalnagar. Thakur informed him that a total of Rs 32.50 lakh was required, offering a discount for payments made over two months. Thakur highlighted his reputed standing with the Income Tax Department, convincing Yunus to proceed despite his lack of experience. Consequently, on November 14, 2022, Yunus transferred Rs 17.50 lakh to Thakur's account.

Responding to Thakur's request, an additional Rs 15 lakh was transferred on December 5, 2022. However, Thakur failed to provide Yunus with the necessary documentation for the tax deposit. Subsequently, Thakur revealed that he had used the funds for his son's MBBS education abroad.

Thakur promised to refund the entire amount on stamp paper, but when the repayment did not materialize, Yunus reported the incident to the Kotwali police. An investigation into the fraud case has commenced, with Yunus alleging that Thakur has defrauded several others using similar tactics.