Pune: In Mhalunge, Khed taluka, a man managing the financial transactions of his wife's gas agency diverted funds amounting to Rs. 3.74 crore into his own bank account.

He spent the money on dancers in Panvel and on purchasing gold. The wife, aged 34, has filed a complaint against her husband.

The husband identified as Hanumant Raosaheb Pote (31), resident of Chimbali, Khed taluka, has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

According to police, the incident took place between April 1, 2023, and May 15, 2024, in Mhalunge and Panvel.

As per the complaint, the accused and the complainant are husband and wife. The accused is a live-in son-in-law. The complainant trusted her husband Hanumant to manage the financial transactions of Mamta Gas Agency.

While managing these transactions, the accused husband diverted the funds meant for the gas agency to his own bank account using PhonePe and Google Pay.

The accused, Hanumant, used this money for his own financial benefit. He gave three lakh rupees to dancers Karina, Raj, and Muskan in Panvel and paid an advance of ten lakh rupees to jewelers for purchasing gold.

In total, he embezzled around Rs. 3.74 crore. The complainant has stated that the accused husband betrayed the trust of both her and her father.

A brief drive around Panvel reveals numerous dance bars lining the streets, often disguised under the banner of 'Live Orchestra'. Despite an official ban, these establishments continue to operate as traditional dance bars. Inside, 20-25 young women, aged between 19 to 30, perform on stage while patrons lavish them with money.

In Panvel taluka police station's jurisdiction, there are 8 orchestra bars and 2 service bars. Within the Panvel city police station's area, there are 5 service bars and 4 orchestra bars.