Pune: Pune Police has lodged a case of cheating based on the complaint of a city-based businessman who was duped of Rs 8.50 lakh by an unknown person over the promise of McDonald's franchise.

The incident took place in Khadki between September 7 and 14. Namdev Bhapkar (47), a resident of Khadki has lodged a complaint at Khadki police station.

According to police officials, Namdev Bhapkar is a businessman and was looking for a franchise of food giant. To search the details of the same, he started searching on the internet. At the same time, he received a call from a stranger. The call lured Bhapkar to acquire the McDonald's franchise by acquiring his trust. The person asked Bhapkar to deposit Rs. 8.5 lakh in various bank accounts from time to time in the name of various fees for the work of the same.

After depositing money as per his order, Bhapkar started to take follow-ups for the same. There was no response from them at the time. After realising that he had been duped, he lodged the police complaint. Police Inspector Shafil Pathan is investigating the case further.