Kanpur Businessman Falls Victim to Elaborate Diwali Fraud Scheme
A jewellery trader from Kanpur's bustling Chowk area has become the latest victim of an elaborate online scam, losing Rs 10 lakh to a fraudster from Rajkot, Gujarat. The incident occurred just before the Diwali festival when the demand for silver jewellery typically peaks across India.
The Deceptive Proposal That Cost a Fortune
The victim, Jitendra Kumar, a resident of 10 Block Govindnagar who operates a jewellery establishment in Chowk, connected with the alleged fraudster through a WhatsApp group specifically created for bullion traders. In what appeared to be a legitimate business opportunity during the festive season, the accused Manish Chhaganbhai Makwana of Rajkot initiated contact in October.
Makwana presented photographs of silver jewellery and proposed a substantial deal worth Rs 25 lakh. Capitalizing on the Diwali rush, he requested an advance payment of Rs 10 lakh, assuring Kumar that the remaining Rs 15 lakh could be settled after the delivery of goods.
The Unfolding of the Financial Fraud
Trusting the business proposal, Kumar proceeded with the transaction and transferred the Rs 10 lakh amount via RTGS on October 17. The entire sum was withdrawn from the account the very next day, raising immediate red flags. When Kumar attempted to follow up on the delivery status, he discovered that Makwana's phone had been switched off permanently.
To his growing alarm, the jeweller realized that no goods had been dispatched despite the substantial advance payment. The promised silver jewellery worth Rs 25 lakh never materialized, confirming his suspicions of being targeted in a premeditated fraud scheme.
Police Intervention and Ongoing Investigation
Following the discovery of the deceit, Jitendra Kumar promptly filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Govindnagar police station. The authorities have officially registered the case and launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Govindnagar police station incharge Rakesh Kumar Singh confirmed the development, stating, "A report has been registered, and the matter is being investigated." The police are currently examining digital evidence and transaction records to track down the accused individual from Rajkot.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for business owners to exercise extreme caution when engaging in high-value transactions through digital platforms, especially during peak business seasons when fraudsters often intensify their activities.
