Mumbai: TV actor booked for reselling fake luxury watch

Karan Hukku, the actor booked by Azad Maidan police; (right) A photo of the watch the complainant bought from Hukku

The Azad Maidan police have filed an FIR against television actor Karan Hukku, 53, for allegedly duping a producer by reselling a counterfeit luxury watch for Rs 7 lakh.

The complainant, Saleem Farooqui, 48, said he bought the Luminor wristwatch, made by Italian luxury watchmaker Officine Panerai, from Hukku in 2016. However, he learned that it was a fake only last year when he tried to resell it to a watch dealer.

‘We were friends'

"Karan and I became friends after meeting at a gym in 2016. Later, he told me that he was struggling as an actor, and offered to resell his watches and jewellery for additional income. He sent me a photo of a Panerai Luminor wristwatch, valued at Rs 24 lakh, and offered to sell it to me at a significantly discounted price of Rs 7 lakh. I purchased the watch with paperwork, which assured me that Hukku would take it back in case of any issues.

"However, in 2022, when I tried to sell the watch to a watch dealer, I discovered that it was a replica worth no more than R10,000. I contacted Karan multiple times since, and waited for him to get back, as we were friends. However, he not only refused to return my money, but also blocked my number," Farooqui told mid-day.

He then lodged a complaint with the Azad Maidan police, who registered an FIR against Hukku on July 31 this year.

Probe on

PSI Sunil Pawar, the investigating officer, Pawar told mid-day they have issued a notice to Hukku. "We are thoroughly investigating the accusation to gather evidence. Once the probe is complete, appropriate legal action will be taken against Hukku based on the findings," he added.

Hukku is known for his work in various TV serials, and has also appeared in the film, ‘Kya Love Story Hai'.

Rs 7lakh
Amount complainant for the watch