Actor Varsha Usgaonkar has reportedly been listed among the victims in an alleged ₹47 lakh investment fraud case, with Avinash Jadhav — a builder and film producer — facing charges registered by the Mumbai Police.
The complaint, filed at Shivaji Park Police Station, has led to an investigation into an investment scheme that allegedly involved several individuals, including actor Mrinalini Subhash Jambhale.
Allegations Linked to Dombivli Construction Project
According to police officials, the complaint was submitted by Mrinalini Jambhale, who stated that she had a professional acquaintance with Jadhav.
In her statement, she claimed that Jadhav introduced himself as a builder and film producer and encouraged her to invest in a construction project in Dombivli.
Jadhav allegedly assured investors that the project would generate attractive returns and promised that the invested amount would be returned within a year.
₹47 Lakh Invested by Multiple Individuals
Police said that between November 2019 and February 2020, Mrinalini Jambhale, Varsha Usgaonkar, and three other investors collectively invested approximately ₹47 lakh in the proposed project.
The payments were reportedly made through cheques and online bank transfers after Jadhav promised significant profits.
Investigators noted that the investors initially received part of the expected returns. According to the complaint, Jadhav paid around ₹4.52 lakh as profit in the early stages.
However, the payments later stopped, which raised concerns among those who had invested in the project.
Accused Allegedly Became Unreachable
Jambhale further alleged that when she attempted to contact Jadhav about the pending returns and the principal investment, he became difficult to reach.
The complaint claims that the accused changed his phone number and address, making it difficult for the investors to trace him.
She also stated that when the investors later confronted Jadhav in Dombivli and demanded their money back, he allegedly refused to return the funds and issued threats.
FIR Registered by Mumbai Police
Confirming the development, police officials said that Shivaji Park Police have registered a case against Jadhav for allegedly cheating the investors of ₹47 lakh.
An FIR has been filed under Sections 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.
Authorities said the case was officially registered on February 26 and has been assigned to Assistant Police Inspector Shailesh Shejul.
Investigators are currently reviewing financial transactions and attempting to trace Jadhav as the probe continues.
Varsha Usgaonkar’s Career
Varsha Usgaonkar began her acting journey in Marathi cinema in the late 1980s and emerged as one of the leading actresses in the industry during the 1990s.
She later appeared in several Hindi films, including Saathi, Hafta Bandh, and Tirangaa.
Apart from films, she has also worked extensively in television. One of her notable roles was portraying Uttara in the popular TV series Mahabharat.
In recent years, the actor has remained active in the entertainment industry through Marathi television projects, stage performances, and reality shows, including her participation in Bigg Boss Marathi 5.
