Bhojpuri Actress and Husband Accused of ₹11.5 Crore Fraud, FIR Registered in Mumbai
Victim alleges he was lured with promises of film industry connections, massive profits, and fake cash recovery deals
Mumbai: Bhojpuri film industry actress Akanksha Awasthi and her husband have been accused of cheating a businessman of ₹11.5 crore. An FIR has been registered at Pant Nagar Police Station, Mumbai, and police have launched an investigation under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The complainant, Hitesh Kantilal Ajmera, who is engaged in the customs clearance business, alleged that Akanksha Awasthi, her husband Vivek Kumar alias Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan, along with their associates, duped him by claiming strong connections in the film industry and promising huge financial returns.
According to the complaint, the accused projected themselves as influential figures in the entertainment industry. Actress Akanksha claimed ownership of a film studio named “AKS Pathshala Entertainment” located in Andheri (West), where Bhojpuri films were allegedly shot and new artists were trained. She also promised fame, ownership rights, and an interest-free loan of ₹200 crore.
Further, her husband Vivek Kumar reportedly narrated a story about ₹300 crore in cash being stuck in a warehouse in Bettiah, West Champaran district of Bihar. He claimed the money could not be withdrawn due to legal issues and required investment to recover it. In return, he assured that ₹200 crore would be returned within four days without any interest. The actress herself allegedly reassured the victim regarding the deal.
Between March and July 2024, the victim transferred a total of ₹11.5 crore to various bank accounts linked to the accused. To strengthen trust, the victim was taken to Patna, where documents related to the alleged warehouse were shown. A visit to Bettiah was also planned.
However, on 5 July 2024, while travelling to Bettiah, Vivek Kumar reportedly got out of the car on the pretext of buying sweets and never returned. His mobile phone was switched off, and after making excuses for a few days, all accused went completely out of contact.
The victim stated that due to severe financial loss and mental stress, his health deteriorated, leading to a delay in filing the complaint. Eventually, an FIR was registered on 28 January.
Police are now conducting a detailed investigation into bank transactions, the alleged film studio, submitted documents, and the role of each accused. The case has been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for further probe.
