Surat: A photographer from Dindoli was allegedly cheated of ₹6.40 lakh after three youths from Vadodara fled with his Hyundai Verna car and camera following a deal struck through Facebook Marketplace. The victim has lodged a complaint at the Dindoli Police Station.

According to police sources, the complainant, Yash Patil (21), originally from Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district and currently residing at Royal Star Township in Dindoli, had contacted Akshay Baria from Vadodara on Facebook Marketplace regarding the purchase of a Hyundai Verna (registration number GJ-4-EE-0008). Akshay had introduced himself as a commission agent for two youths, Nadeem Moyuddin and Wasim Navbara.

Relying on photographs and communication over Facebook and WhatsApp, Yash agreed to buy the vehicle for ₹6.50 lakh. He paid ₹5.50 lakh in advance and travelled to Vadodara on October 15 to take delivery of the car. The sellers handed over one key, claiming the second key had been misplaced and would be provided during the RC transfer process.

Subsequently, Akshay asked Yash to pay the remaining ₹1 lakh for servicing at Bardoli. Yash brought the car to Manu Hyundai Service in Bardoli and later parked it outside his residence in Royal Star Township. A Nikon camera worth ₹90,000 was also kept inside the vehicle.

Later, when Yash came downstairs from his apartment, he saw that Nadeem was using the second key to start the car and fled with both the vehicle and the camera. Following the incident, all three accused Akshay, Nadeem, and Wasim went absconding, allegedly cheating him of property worth ₹6.40 lakh.

Yash Patil subsequently filed a complaint against the trio at the Dindoli Police Station. Police have launched a probe into the matter and are investigating the online fraud. DeshGujarat