Noida: Two booked for duping aspiring actor of Rs 18 lakh

GREATER NOIDA: At least two people have been booked for allegedly duping an aspiring actor of nearly Rs 18 lakh on the pretext of helping him in getting launched in Bollywood.
The victim, a 22-year-old resident of Sector Beta II, has alleged that he met Mavelin Messi, the main accused, through his childhood friend Jonah David few months back. Mavelin claimed to have contacts in advertisement, modelling and casting agencies in Mumbai and allegedly took Rs 18 lakh from him in two instalments for registering him with talent promoters. But later, Mavelin went incommunicado.
An FIR under IPC sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 506 (criminal Intimidation) has been registered against Mavelin and Jonah, and few unnamed persons, on the complaint of the victim’s father Sunil Chaudhary, a real estate developer.
“Mavelin had earlier worked with a PR firm in Mumbai and was in Noida for his wedding. He told my son that he can introduce him to various talent managers in Bollywood and can also get him modelling assignments. He also took my son to Mumbai a couple of times, where they attended parties hosted by Bollywood personalities,” Chaudhary told police.
Chaudhary alleged that Mavelin made his son transfer around Rs 9.5 lakh into his account on the pretext of getting him registered with talent management companies and acting classes. “He later took around Rs 8 lakh in cash, saying he needs help to make arrangements for his wedding,” he said. “When we asked him to fulfil his commitment, Mavelin threatened my son with dire consequences, and now, he is incommunicado.”
Rajesh Kumar Singh, DCP (zone 3), said: “The allegations are being investigated, relevant action will be taken.”