Gurgaon Woman Files Cheating Case Over Rs 16 Lakh Harvard Hostel Scam
A resident of Old DLF Colony in Gurgaon has come forward with serious allegations against a man from Faridabad, accusing him of orchestrating a sophisticated financial fraud. The complainant, identified as Yukti Bhardwaj, claims she was cheated out of a substantial sum of Rs 16 lakh. The money was supposedly paid for arranging hostel accommodation at the prestigious Harvard University for her two brothers.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to the official complaint filed with the authorities, Bhardwaj transferred the amount via cheque to Mrinank Singh, who resides in Sector 17 of Faridabad. The payment was explicitly intended to cover hostel fees associated with her brothers' admission to Harvard University. However, investigations revealed that the funds were never deposited with the university, raising immediate red flags about the transaction's legitimacy.
Bhardwaj reported that Singh consistently evaded her inquiries regarding the payment status. When she pressed for clarity and eventually demanded a refund of the hefty sum, the situation took a dark turn. During a telephone conversation, Singh allegedly issued death threats, warning Bhardwaj against pursuing the matter further. This intimidation tactic has added a layer of severity to the case, transforming it from a simple financial dispute into a potential threat to personal safety.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The formal complaint was submitted on December 19, 2025, and was subsequently directed to Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Karan Goel for thorough examination. Following preliminary inquiries, a case was officially registered at the Sector 14 police station on Monday. The charges have been framed under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains specifically to cheating offenses.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Guldeen Khan, the investigating officer assigned to the case, provided crucial updates. Khan confirmed that the accused, Mrinank Singh, has not been arrested as of yet. Further revelations indicate that Singh operates a private business in Faridabad, though specific details about the nature of his enterprise remain undisclosed to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have faced challenges in contacting the complainant for additional statements, which may temporarily hinder the progression of the case. Nonetheless, the police are actively pursuing all leads to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Broader Implications and Community Concerns
This incident highlights several critical issues affecting residents in the National Capital Region. Firstly, it underscores the vulnerabilities individuals face when dealing with high-stakes educational arrangements, especially involving international institutions. The promise of securing admission and accommodation at elite universities like Harvard can sometimes blindside even cautious individuals, making them susceptible to elaborate scams.
Secondly, the case brings to light the escalating problem of financial fraud in urban areas, where trust is often exploited for monetary gain. The involvement of death threats further complicates the matter, indicating a disturbing trend where fraudsters resort to intimidation to silence their victims.
Local authorities are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when engaging in financial transactions related to educational services. They recommend verifying credentials through official channels and avoiding large upfront payments without proper documentation and verification.
