Diu: Diu Police have arrested a Mumbai-based man accused of masterminding a holiday membership fraud that allegedly cheated 40–50 tourists of around Rs 80 lakh.
The accused, identified as Ajay Mehla, was arrested in Mumbai and brought to Diu for custodial interrogation. Police allege that he operated the racket through Gurgaon-based White Dolphin Holidays (OPC) Pvt Ltd.
According to investigators, company representatives approached tourists at popular destinations using scratch-card promotions. Tourists were allegedly told they had won prizes such as iPads or complimentary holidays and were then invited to promotional events at The Fort House in Diu.
During these presentations, sales staff allegedly convinced customers to purchase long-term holiday memberships by claiming tie-ups with luxury hotels in India and abroad. Membership plans ranged from five to 25 years, with one five-year package costing around Rs 95,000.
Police said customers were pressured into making immediate payments by offering limited-period discounts. However, after receiving the money, the company allegedly failed to provide the promised services and stopped responding to customers.
Complaints filed between October and December 2025 alleged that several victims collectively paid Rs 5.15 lakh through credit cards during promotional events in Diu.
An FIR was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Police said Mehla had allegedly been using a SIM card registered under a fraudulent identity to evade detection.
During preliminary questioning, Mehla allegedly admitted to managing the operations and organising promotional events at The Fort House.
Investigators are now examining the roles of other alleged associates, including holiday consultants, sales executives, booking coordinators, customer relationship staff and managers. Police are also tracing the financial trail and working to identify additional victims.
Diu SP Ramkrishna Saran urged citizens to verify the credentials of holiday membership companies before making payments or investments.
