Conman held for duping thousands across world

Delhi, June 12: The police arrested a conman for duping nearly 50,000 people in India and abroad for the past 30 years. The accused, 52-year old Himanshu Bhatt, was arrested in Mumbai. Acting on the complaint of an IT firm that it was duped to the tune of Rs 40 lakh, police took up investigation and nabbed the fraudster. He created groups in social media, introduced himself as bank executive, share broker and sent e-mails to loan seekers. He took membership of clubs, hotels and resorts to rub shoulders with rich and influential. In the investigation, it was revealed that the accused amassed crores of rupees by fraud and forgery. He travelled to UAE, Europe, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and America and duped people there. In India, he cheated celebrities, businessmen and traders in Punjab, Haryana, Pune, Kolkatta, Chennai and UP. Bhatt also posed as Governor and IAS officer. He was arrested three times but has never been convicted. As per preliminary investigation, Bhatt amassed Rs 50 crore. He shed 49 kg and changed voice and accent and brought a wig to look different. He was class 12 drop out but he speaks fluently in English, Hindi, Gujarathi and Marathi.