In Ahmedabad, a woman named Hiral (name changed) was duped by a lawyer into giving ₹40.46 lakh. The scam began when Hiral sought help for her husband, Mehul, who was arrested in a Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) case on October 21, 2023. Desperate to secure his release, Hiral contacted Meghna Dave, a lawyer from Ranip. Dave promised that she could get Mehul released within a month.
Dave claimed that Mehul worked with the Delhi Crime Branch and could help in obtaining necessary case documents. Between November 1, 2023, and April 16, 2024, Hiral transferred money to Dave in multiple instalments. She believed she was investing in her husband’s freedom. On one occasion, Dave even introduced Hiral to Mehul, who allegedly showed her identification to prove his identity.
However, as time passed, there were no signs of progress. Hiral became suspicious when she found out that no legal action had been initiated and no court documents were prepared. She decided to report the matter to the Ranip Police. The police confirmed that they are currently investigating the case, and Meghna Dave is now absconding.
The authorities have reached out to the Gujarat Bar Association to check if Dave is a legitimate lawyer. This incident highlights the need for people to be cautious when seeking legal help. Many individuals may find themselves in vulnerable situations and are easy targets for fraudsters.
In similar cases, the police urge the public to verify the credentials of lawyers before engaging their services. Hiral’s case is a sad reminder of the potential risks involved when trusting someone with sensitive legal matters. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are hopeful of catching the accused soon.
This scam emphasizes the importance of legal awareness and understanding one’s rights. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities and seek help from trusted sources. The legal system should protect individuals, not exploit them. Hiral’s experience serves as a wake-up call for many in the community about the prevalence of fraud in legal services and the importance of due diligence before hiring a lawyer.
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