Panchkula Police Nab Self-Styled Spiritual Guru in Rs 10 Lakh Tree Scam
In a significant development, the Raipur Rani Police in Panchkula have arrested a self-proclaimed spiritual guru for allegedly defrauding a man of nearly Rs 10 lakh. The arrest follows a detailed investigation into a case where the accused promised to facilitate the cutting of khair trees on a piece of land that was later found to be under legal dispute.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The accused has been identified as Krishna Nand, also known as Ashwani Kumar, a resident of Bhoj Ponta in Panchkula. According to police reports, Krishna Nand, along with his associate Amit from Ambala, allegedly deceived complainant Harshit Singla of Yamunanagar in 2021. The complainant was assured that a specific plot of land was free from any legal disputes and was suitable for khair tree cutting. Based on this false assurance, Harshit Singla paid a substantial amount through cash and cheques.
However, it later emerged that the land was under a stay order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the forest department had not granted any permission for tree cutting. This revelation led to the registration of an FIR on February 16, 2025, marking the beginning of a thorough police investigation.
Investigation and Arrest
During the investigation, police seized crucial evidence including agreement papers, bank statements, and other relevant records. The accused had been evading authorities for an extended period, avoiding appearances before investigators despite multiple notices. On March 20, police successfully arrested Krishna Nand from Kharar in Punjab after a coordinated effort.
Upon interrogation, Krishna Nand claimed that the fraudulently obtained money had been hidden in Neelkanth and Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Police are now intensifying efforts to locate and arrest his associate, Amit, who remains at large. A court has granted a three-day police remand for further questioning of the arrested accused to uncover additional details of the scam.
Broader Implications and Police Action
This case highlights the risks associated with fraudulent schemes involving land and natural resources. The police have emphasized their commitment to cracking down on such crimes, urging the public to verify all legal documents and permissions before engaging in any financial transactions related to property or resource extraction.
The arrest serves as a warning to others involved in similar fraudulent activities, demonstrating that law enforcement agencies are vigilant and proactive in pursuing justice. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the scam, including any potential links to other victims or illegal activities.
