State of Maharashtra vs 20 unidentified accused — Lonavala call centre fraud case

Updates

1. Arrest16 Oct 2026

   Illegal call centre targeting foreigners with fake drug cases busted in Lonavala; 20 arrested

   Pune, Oct 16 (PTI) Twenty persons were arrested for allegedly operating an illegal call centre in Lonavala in Maharashtra’s Pune district to defraud foreign nationals by posing as representatives of reputed companies and threatening them with fake drug-related cases, police said on Friday. ]

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   Police busted an illegal call centre that allegedly targeted foreigners using fake drug cases.

   Who:

   The Lonavala Police arrested 20 unidentified people, who are now the accused in this case.

   When:

   Reported on 16 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Lonavala, Maharashtra.

   Why:

   The accused are being held because they allegedly ran a fraudulent call centre.

   What it means:

   The police have taken the accused into custody to begin the formal legal investigation process.

   The Print
2. Arrest16 Oct 2026

   20 Arrested For Duping US, Canadian Citizens Through Illegal Call Centre In Lonavala; Goods Worth ₹36.41 Lakh Seized

   During the operation, police found several people in the living room and bedrooms of the villa using laptops, mobile phones and headphones. They were allegedly speaking in English over internet-based calls and chatting online

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   Police arrested twenty people for operating an illegal call centre that allegedly cheated foreigners.

   Who:

   The Lonavala Police are the law enforcement agency and the twenty people are the accused.

   When:

   Reported on 16 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Lonavala, Maharashtra.

   Why:

   The accused are accused of duping citizens in the United States and Canada through an illegal call centre.

   What it means:

   The police have seized goods worth 36.41 lakh rupees as part of their ongoing investigation.

   Free Press Journal