Mumbai’s entertainment world is reeling from a shocking fraud case involving veteran actress Varsha Usgaonkar, known for hits like ‘Doodh Ka Karz’ and ‘Tiranga’. The 90s Bollywood star, along with fellow actresses, has filed a police complaint accusing film producer and builder Avinash Jadhav of cheating them out of Rs 47 lakhs.
The complaint was lodged at Shivaji Park Police Station, where authorities have registered a case under IPC Sections 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation). The lead complainant, Marathi actress Mrunalini Subhash Jambhale, revealed how Jadhav lured them into investing in a Dombivli construction project with promises of quick, high returns and full principal repayment within a year.
Between November 2019 and February 2020, Jambhale, Usgaonkar, and three others transferred the massive sum via cheques and online payments. Initially, Jadhav repaid Rs 4.52 lakhs to build trust, but then vanished, changing his phone numbers and address. When confronted in Dombivli, he brazenly threatened them, saying he wouldn’t return the money.
Police are now probing the extent of Jadhav’s fraudulent network, suspecting more victims. Usgaonkar, who has starred in films like ‘Honeymoon’, ‘Sone Ki Zanjeer’, and ‘Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi’, remains active in Marathi cinema despite this setback.
This incident highlights the growing risks celebrities face from conmen posing as business tycoons. Shivaji Park police assure a thorough investigation to bring the culprit to justice and recover the funds.