Former BJP Functionary Among Trio Nabbed in Multi-Crore Money-Doubling Fraud
In a significant crackdown on financial fraud, authorities have apprehended three individuals, including a former BJP district spokesperson, from Samastipur on Thursday. The arrests stem from allegations of duping a victim of a staggering Rs1.90 crore under the false promise of doubling his money, with the fraudulent activities spanning from Ambala in Punjab to Bihar.
Joint Operation Uncovers Elaborate Racket
The arrests were executed during a meticulously planned joint raid conducted by the Ambala Cantt Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Bihar Special Task Force (STF). This coordinated effort revealed that the accused were operating a sophisticated fake-currency–based money-doubling scheme, preying on unsuspecting individuals with promises of exponential returns on their investments.
Key Accused Identified as Former BJP Spokesperson
According to police officials, the primary accused has been identified as Pankaj Kumar Lal, a resident of the Dalsinghsarai police station area in Samastipur district. Notably, Lal previously served as the district spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), adding a political dimension to the case. His two associates, Kaushal Kumar Kishore and Rajnish, were also taken into custody in connection with the elaborate scam.
Complaint Reveals Massive Financial Deception
The case came to light when one Joshi of Ambala filed a formal complaint at the Ambala Cantt GRP police station. He alleged that he was cheated out of Rs1.90 crore by individuals who promised to double his money and offer substantial profits on loaned amounts. As the GRP investigation progressed, the involvement of Pankaj and his accomplices became increasingly evident, prompting further action.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrests and Seizures
Acting on the directives of Ambala Railway SP Nitika Gahlot, a specialized team was assembled under the leadership of Ambala Cantt GRP in-charge Harish Kumar. Leveraging technical intelligence, the team conducted a targeted raid in the Dalsinghsarai area late Wednesday night, successfully apprehending Pankaj and his two aides.
During the operation, law enforcement officials made significant recoveries, including:
- Rs6 lakh in cash
- Gold jewellery valued at approximately Rs30 lakh
- A luxury white SUV
Modus Operandi and Previous Criminal Links
Sadar DSP Vivek Sharma provided insights into the accused's fraudulent methods, stating, "Pankaj used to take Rs30,000 and give fake notes worth Rs1 lakh. He was involved in a fraud and subsequent robbery in Haryana in the name of doubling money through fake notes. His name also appeared in the FIR registered in this case."
Sharma further elaborated that the fraud occurred in Haryana prior to the elections, where a victim was promised Rs4 lakh in exchange for Rs2 lakh. Following the transaction, a robbery was executed on the victim's way, highlighting the dangerous and multifaceted nature of the criminal activities.
Legal Proceedings and Extradition
All three arrested individuals have been produced before a local court and are currently being transported to Ambala on transit remand. This step marks the beginning of formal legal proceedings as authorities aim to unravel the full extent of the racket and ensure justice for the victims.
The case underscores the growing menace of financial fraud schemes that exploit trust and promise unrealistic returns, prompting calls for heightened vigilance and stricter enforcement measures across regions.
