In a startling development, Indian cricket stars Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya have been ensnared in a financial scandal involving their stepbrother, Vaibhav Pandya. The Mumbai police apprehended Vaibhav on charges of fraud and forgery, alleging that he swindled a staggering INR 4.3 crore from the Pandya brothers.
The alleged scam unfolded within the framework of a joint business venture established by the trio approximately three years ago. Initially, Hardik and Krunal were slated to contribute 40% of the capital each, while Vaibhav was tasked with handling the remaining 20% and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a polymer trading enterprise.
However, the purported agreement was breached when Vaibhav clandestinely launched a separate company in the same sector without disclosing this to his stepbrothers. Consequently, the profits from the original partnership dwindled, resulting in an estimated loss of INR 3 crore for Hardik and Krunal.
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Adding insult to injury, Vaibhav stands accused of covertly elevating his profit share from 20% to 33.3%, further exacerbating the financial harm suffered by the Pandya siblings.
🚨 Breaking News 🚨
In a shocking development, Vaibhav Pandya, step-brother of IPL stars Hardik and Krunal Pandya, has been arrested by the Economic Offences Wing in Mumbai for allegedly swindling millions from them. #IPL #HardikPandya #KrunalPandya #VaibhavPandya #Scam #Arrest pic.twitter.com/ud1BqQvLXL— Bharat News Network (@NewsBharatNet) April 11, 2024
The Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai police has intervened, pressing charges of fraud and forgery against Vaibhav Pandya in connection with these transgressions. As of now, neither Hardik nor Krunal has publicly addressed this distressing ordeal.
Amidst their professional commitments in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, this personal setback undoubtedly weighs heavily on the minds of both brothers. Hardik, especially, has faced adversity in recent months, recuperating from an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 World Cup.
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Furthermore, his appointment as the captain of the Mumbai Indians franchise was met with skepticism from some segments of the team’s fanbase, compounded by the team’s initial struggles in the tournament.
Nonetheless, MI managed to secure their maiden victory of the season by defeating the Delhi Capitals in their previous encounter. Meanwhile, Krunal, representing the Lucknow Super Giants, has contributed 48 runs and claimed three wickets in four matches thus far.
