Gujarat Police Crack Down on Multi-Lakh Rupee Investment Fraud in Himatnagar
In a significant development, the Himatnagar Rural police have taken decisive action against a sophisticated financial fraud operation. Authorities have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) targeting six individuals accused of orchestrating a deceptive investment scheme that allegedly swindled multiple investors out of a staggering sum exceeding Rs 53.58 lakh.
Mastermind and Associates Identified in Elaborate Scam
The primary figure in this alleged conspiracy has been identified as Anil Parmar, who operated as the proprietor of A P Consultancy. The police have named his wife, Nikita Parmar, along with his brother-in-law Sudhirsinh Makwana, and three other associates—Hitendrasinh Parmar, Ranvirsinh Parmar, and Kripalsinh Parmar—as co-accused. All the individuals are reported to be residents of Ghangha village, located within the Himmatnagar taluka of Gujarat.
How the Fraudulent Scheme Operated and Lured Victims
The complaint, filed by Mitesh Patel, a 37-year-old staff nurse at Himatnagar Civil Hospital, provides detailed insights into the modus operandi. According to Patel, Anil Parmar presented his firm as a legitimate investment entity, claiming to channel funds into high-yield avenues such as the stock market, cryptocurrency, and forex trading.
To build trust and credibility among potential investors, Parmar employed several tactics:
- He promised enticing monthly returns ranging from 5% to 15%, which significantly exceeded conventional investment yields.
- He introduced his wife, Nikita, as a business partner to give the operation a facade of family-run legitimacy.
- Another accused was portrayed as the firm's manager, while the remaining individuals were presented as office staff, creating an illusion of a structured organization.
- Investors were added to a WhatsApp group named "Friends Forever", where videos and images of supposed transactions were shared to reinforce the scheme's authenticity.
Victim's Experience: Initial Gains Followed by Sudden Disappearance
Mitesh Patel, who was familiar with Anil Parmar from their earlier association at the civil hospital, invested a total of Rs 9 lakh between August and October 2024. Initially, the scheme seemed to deliver on its promises, as Patel received Rs 1.65 lakh in returns, which bolstered his confidence and likely encouraged further investments from him and others.
However, the situation took a drastic turn in January 2025, when all payments abruptly ceased. Despite repeated assurances from the accused that the investors' money was secure and would be returned promptly, the individuals eventually switched off their phones, shut down the office, and fled Ghangha village, leaving victims in the lurch.
Widespread Impact and Legal Action Initiated
Police investigations have revealed that the scam's reach extended beyond Mitesh Patel. At least 11 other investors from various locations, including Himatnagar, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Idar, and nearby areas, are believed to have fallen prey to this fraudulent scheme, highlighting its regional impact.
The case has been formally registered at the Himmatnagar Rural Police Station under stringent legal provisions. The charges include:
- Sections 316(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to cheating and criminal breach of trust.
- Section 3 of the Gujarat Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act, specifically designed to protect investors from such financial frauds.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for investors to exercise due diligence and verify the credentials of financial establishments before committing funds, especially when promised returns appear unusually high.
