Pratapgarh Jeweller and Accomplices Nabbed for Staging Elaborate Fake Robbery
In a startling case of deception, a jeweller from Pratapgarh, along with two of his associates, was apprehended by authorities on Tuesday for masterminding a fictitious loot incident. The police have confiscated significant evidence, including Rs 9.60 lakh in cash, 3 kilograms of silver, a country-made pistol of 0.315 bore with two live cartridges, three mobile phones, a motorcycle, and a car from the accused.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Avanish Kumar Tiwari, also known as Ayush Tiwari, aged 30; Anuj Dubey, alias Anoj Kumar Dubey, aged 40; and Ritesh Maurya, the jeweller himself. They hail from Pratapgarh and Amethi districts, respectively. This arrest follows a complaint filed by Ritesh Maurya on February 6, where he reported being robbed by three unidentified, armed assailants on a motorcycle while traveling from Prayagraj to Amethi in his car near the Gajehra forest area, under the jurisdiction of the Delhupur police station.
The Fabricated Robbery Plot Unraveled
An FIR was initially registered under sections 309(4)/126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Delhupur police station based on Maurya's report. However, during interrogation, Anuj Dubey confessed to the elaborate scheme. He revealed that he had lent money to Ritesh Maurya, and when he sought repayment, Maurya claimed financial difficulties but promised to devise a solution.
Subsequently, Maurya informed Dubey of a plan, stating he would travel to Prayagraj for shopping. On the morning of February 6, they met near the Kotwali in Pratapgarh, where Maurya outlined the fake robbery. According to the plan, Maurya would return in the evening with a craftsman, and Dubey, accompanied by two friends, would simulate a robbery by snatching a bag from the back of the car near Delhupur forest, using a pistol as a prop.
The intention was for Dubey to recover his loaned money, while Maurya would use the remaining funds to settle other debts. To facilitate the ruse, Maurya provided Dubey with Rs 20,000 and specific identification details beforehand.
Police Investigation and Seizures
Following the arrests, law enforcement officials recovered the aforementioned items, which substantiate the fabricated nature of the incident. The seized assets include the cash, silver, firearm, ammunition, electronic devices, and vehicles used in the staged crime. This case highlights the lengths to which individuals may go to conceal financial troubles, ultimately leading to legal repercussions.
The authorities have emphasized that such acts not only waste police resources but also undermine public trust in genuine crime reports. Further investigations are ongoing to ensure all aspects of the conspiracy are thoroughly examined.
