Luxury living cravings led Mrinank Singh, ex-U-19 cricketer, to pose as an IPL star, duping hotels, brands, and even Rishabh Pant. Unveiling the intricate con, police expose a dual identity saga and a trail of deceit.
Mrinank Singh, a 25-year-old former U-19 cricketer, transformed from a promising sportsman to a cunning conman driven by a desire for a luxurious lifestyle. Posing as an IPL cricketer, he successfully deceived luxury establishments, brands, and notable personalities, including Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant.
Operating under the guise of an IPL player for Mumbai Indians from 2014 to 2018, Mrinank leveraged his fictitious cricketing identity to garner attention, influencing women and enjoying lavish stays at five-star hotels without settling bills.
In 2022, Mrinank stayed at Delhi's Taj Palace Hotel for a week, leaving without settling a bill of ₹5.53 lakh. Claiming to be a cricketer with Adidas footing the bill, he duped the hotel staff with a fake transaction ID. Despite multiple attempts to contact him, Mrinank remained elusive until the police intervened.
Aware of the police pursuit, Mrinank switched off his phone, creating an illusion of settling in Dubai. However, a lookout notice led to his detention at Delhi airport while attempting to flee to Hong Kong on December 25, almost a year after the Taj Palace incident.
Attempting to outsmart immigration officials, Mrinank assumed a backup identity as IPS officer Alok Kumar from Karnataka. He misled police officials, claiming his son, supposedly detained at the airport, needed assistance. Despite efforts to mislead, the police saw through his ruse.
Among Mrinank's victims was Rishabh Pant, whom he cheated of ₹1.63 crore in 2020-2021. His deceptive practices extended to cab drivers, young women, bars, and restaurants. Mrinank's Instagram showcased a purported luxury lifestyle, attracting over 40,000 followers.
A Commerce graduate from Delhi University's Hindu College, Mrinank pursued an MBA in Human Resources from OPJS University in Rajasthan. His family disowned him, citing a lack of control over his actions. A two-day police custody has been granted as investigations into the elaborate web of deceit continue.
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