How a con IPL cricketer bowled over Taj Hotel, Rishabh Pant, and young women, pocketing over Rs 1.5 crore

Mrinank Singh, a 25-year-old individual, purportedly engaged in various roles, including being a cricketer for an IPL team, a player in the Ranji Trophy, and a Karnataka police officer, was arrested by Delhi Police. His alleged involvement aimed at deceiving individuals by extracting cash and luxury items. It is reported that Singh not only duped the prestigious Taj Hotel but also well-known cricketer Rishabh Pant of over a crore last year. As phe falsely presented himself as a member of the Mumbai Indians IPL cricket team to defraud women and international sports accessories brands.

He pretended to be an IPL cricketer associated with the Mumbai Indians between 2014 and 2018. Leveraging this assertion, he sought to convey a sense of popularity, enabling him to exert influence over women, dine at upscale restaurants, and stay in luxury hotels without settling bills.



On multiple instances, he impersonated either a cricketer or a high-ranking police officer from Karnataka, deceiving numerous individuals, including prominent cricketer Rishabh Pant, who he defrauded of Rs 1.63 crore in the fiscal year 2020-2021. Other victims encompassed taxi drivers, young women, as well as establishments such as bars and restaurants. The imposter maintains an Instagram account boasting over 40,000 followers, where he flaunts images depicting his purported "luxurious lifestyle."

Singh was arrested after the Taj Palace Hotel filed a complaint with the Chanakyapuri police station, accusing him of leaving without paying a bill of approximately Rs 5.5 lakh for his stay from July 22 to 29, 2022. Singh had claimed that his company, a reputed sportswear brand, would settle the payment and provided a dubious transaction number as proof of an online payment of Rs 2 lakh.

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Despite repeated attempts by the hotel to contact Singh and his manager, no payment was made, and false promises were made instead. The hotel eventually registered a case of cheating against him.

The Delhi Police had issued notices to Singh's residence, but he was nowhere to be found. His mobile phone remained switched off, and most of his communication was through social media platforms. It was believed by his acquaintances that he had relocated to Dubai. Subsequently, a non-bailable warrant and a lookout circular were issued against him.

On December 25, Singh was apprehended at the Indira Gandhi International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Hong Kong. He even tried to deceive the investigating officials by posing as a senior IPS officer.

Singh, a BCom graduate from a North Campus college, had completed his MBA from Rajasthan. He had previously been involved in three criminal cases registered in Juhu, Karnal, and Mohali.

The Delhi Police are continuing their investigation into Singh's alleged fraudulent activities, which have left many victims, including prominent figures like Rishabh Pant, in financial distress.