Mumbai police have registered a case against Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi and her husband Vivek Kumar, also known as Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan, accusing them of defrauding ₹11.5 crore. The complaint was filed at Pantnagar police station, and investigations are underway under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The complainant, Hitesh Kantilal Ajmera, who is engaged in customs clearance business, alleged that the accused used their strong connections in the film industry and the lure of high profits to extort money from him. According to the complaint, Akanksha claimed ownership of a film studio named ‘AKS Pathshala Entertainment’ located in Andheri West, where Bhojpuri films are shot and new artists are trained. She promised rights over the studio, fame, and an interest-free loan of ₹200 crore.
Furthermore, Vivek Kumar told the complainant about ₹300 crore cash stuck in a warehouse in Bettiah, Bihar. He claimed the money could not be released due to legal issues and required investment to free it. In return, they assured a repayment of ₹200 crore within four days without interest. Akanksha herself gave these assurances to the complainant.
Between March and July 2024, the complainant transferred ₹11.5 crore through various bank accounts. To strengthen trust, he was taken to Patna and shown documents related to the alleged warehouse. A plan to visit Bettiah was also made. However, on July 5, 2024, while traveling to Bettiah, Vivek Kumar left the car on the pretext of buying sweets and disappeared. His phone was switched off, and after some days of excuses, all accused went out of contact.
The complainant reported that due to significant financial loss and mental stress, he delayed filing the complaint, which was finally registered on January 28. Police are now examining bank transactions, the studio, documents shown, and the roles of the accused. The investigation has been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing for deeper inquiry.
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