Bhojpuri Actress Akanksha Awasthi And Husband Booked In Rs 11.5 Crore Cheating Case, Police Probe Underway

Akanksha Awasthi Booked In Cheating Case: Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi and her husband Vivek Kumar, also known as Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan, have been booked by Mumbai Police in connection with an alleged cheating case involving a customs clearance agent and an amount of Rs 11.5 crore. The case has been registered at the Pant Nagar police station in Mumbai.

What Is The Case Against Akanksha Awasthi

According to a report by The Times of India, the complaint was filed by Hitesh Kantilal Ajmera, a customs clearance agent based in Mumbai, who alleged that he was deceived into transferring large sums of money after being assured of extraordinary financial returns and business opportunities. Ajmera claimed that the accused projected themselves as well-connected and financially influential figures within the film industry.

As detailed in the FIR, Ajmera stated that he was told the actress owned a film studio and an artists' training centre in Andheri, which added credibility to their claims. He further alleged that the couple promised him ownership-related benefits, recognition within the industry, and an interest-free return of Rs 200 crore in exchange for financial assistance.

The complaint also mentions that Vivek Kumar claimed to have access to nearly Rs 300 crore in cash stored in a warehouse located in Bettiah, Bihar. This money, Ajmera was allegedly told, was stuck due to unresolved legal and property-related issues. Believing these representations, Ajmera reportedly transferred money in multiple instalments between March and July 2024 to bank accounts shared by the accused.

A report by mid-day adds that Ajmera was initially introduced to the accused through professional contacts earlier in 2024. He was allegedly shown documents and agreements related to the warehouse and was taken to Patna as part of the assurances. During one visit, Ajmera claimed he was introduced to individuals presented as being connected to the godown where the cash was supposedly stored.

The situation took a turn on July 5, 2024, when Ajmera alleged that Vivek Kumar stepped out of their vehicle during a journey towards Bettiah on the pretext of buying sweets and did not return. Kumar's phone was later switched off, and repeated attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. It was after this incident that Ajmera realised he may have been defrauded and approached the police.

Following his complaint, an FIR was registered on January 28, and police officials confirmed that an investigation is currently underway. Authorities are examining bank transactions, verifying the documents provided to the complainant, and attempting to trace the accused. Given the size of the alleged fraud, the case is expected to be reviewed by the Economic Offences Wing.

Police have reportedly stated that further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation, and no conclusions have been drawn at this stage.

Akanksha Awasthi Career Highlights

Akanksha Awasthi is a television actress and model who primarily works in the Bhojpuri film industry. She has also appeared in Hindi projects, including Rocky Handsome (2016) and the television series Ishq Mein Marjawan (2017). Awasthi began her acting career with an uncredited role in 2006 and subsequently featured in several television shows such as Uttaran, and Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat, before moving on to roles in regional cinema.