The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended five individuals, including an alleged kingpin, in connection with the LUCC chit fund scam in Uttarakhand. Investigators stated that the case involves widespread cheating of depositors through unregulated investment schemes.
Arrests Made Across the Country
The arrested accused have been identified as Sushil Gokhroo, Rajendra Singh Bisht, Tarun Kumar Mourya, Gaurav Rohilla, and Mamta Bhandari. According to the CBI, these arrests were made from various locations across India as part of the ongoing probe into the activities of M/s Loni Urban Multi State Credit and Thrift Co-operative Society (LUCC).
Background of the Case
The agency reported that the Uttarakhand High Court transferred all First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the alleged scam to the CBI in 2025. Following this directive, the CBI registered a case on November 26, 2025, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Uttarakhand Protection of Interests of Depositors Act, and the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes (BUDS) Act.
Scale of the Fraud
According to the CBI, the investigation has unveiled an unprecedented scale of victimization in Uttarakhand. More than one lakh investors were allegedly enticed to deposit money in various unregulated schemes operated by LUCC. The total deposits are estimated to be around Rs 800 crore. While some partial repayments were made to depositors, the alleged fraud amount is estimated to exceed Rs 400 crore.
Main Accused Absconding
The CBI further stated that the main accused, Sameer Agrawal and his wife Saniya Agrawal, have absconded abroad. Notices and circulars have been issued against them, the agency added.
Properties Acquired Through Crime
Investigators discovered that several immovable properties were allegedly acquired using the proceeds of the crime. Details of these assets have been shared with the competent authority—the Secretary, Finance, Government of Uttarakhand—with a request to freeze the properties and initiate steps for restitution to victims under the provisions of the BUDS Act, 2019.
Ongoing Investigation
The CBI has constituted a special team to trace other accused using technical surveillance and source-based information. The arrested accused are being produced before the competent court, while further investigation is underway.
