Ludhiana Family Accused of ₹89.9 Lakh Fraud Involving Fake Police Job and Business Deals
In a shocking case of deception blending high-tech claims with low-tech gadgets, a family from New Shimlapuri in Ludhiana has been charged with defrauding a local car dealer of ₹89.9 lakh. The elaborate scheme revolved around promises of securing a "gazetted officer" rank in the Punjab Police for the victim's son, exploiting his aspirations and trust.
Elaborate Ruse with Political Connections and 'Magic' Phone
The accused, identified as Harjinder Singh, his wife Kulwinder Kaur, and their son Unique Singh, allegedly targeted car dealer Parminderpal by leveraging his son Naman's passion for cricket. They offered a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) position under the sports quota for ₹55 lakh, alongside a separate ₹34 lakh investment in a fraudulent aluminum printing venture that guaranteed high profits but delivered nothing.
To build credibility, Harjinder claimed to be first cousins with a former Director General of Police (DGP) and showcased photo-ops with former chief ministers and top officials. In a bizarre twist, he provided Naman with a basic keypad mobile phone, asserting it was an official "sarkari" device equipped with a "special chip" from the DGP's office. This chip, he falsely claimed, could track any phone in Punjab and message any police station. In reality, it was merely a normal phone used to perpetuate the lie.
Fraud Unravels with Forged Joining Letter
The scam collapsed in November 2025 when Harjinder presented a forged joining letter instructing Naman to report to the Police Academy in Phillaur. Suspicious arose when the victim's family insisted Harjinder accompany them for the induction, leading to a series of excuses. A subsequent two-month police investigation revealed that Harjinder had no relation to any former DGP, and his son was not an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) as claimed.
Legal Action and Ongoing Manhunt
Following the probe by an Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP)-ranked official, Shimlapuri police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include:
- Section 316(2) for criminal breach of trust
- Section 318(4) for cheating
- Section 336 for forgery
- Section 61(2) for criminal conspiracy
The accused trio is currently evading arrest, with investigating officer Assistant Sub-Inspector Salwinder Pal confirming that raids are underway to apprehend them. This case highlights the risks of trusting unverified job offers and investment opportunities, especially when coupled with manipulative personal connections.
