Nagpur Police Uncover ₹5 Crore Road Project Scam, Three Arrested
In a significant development, the Sitabuldi police station in Nagpur has registered a major cheating case involving a staggering sum of ₹5 crore. The case revolves around an elaborate fraud scheme where three individuals allegedly duped two companies by promising them lucrative road development projects in Maharashtra.
Details of the Complaint and Accused
The complaint was filed by Nitesh Sankalecha (56), the authorised signatory of a Mumbai-based company's Nagpur branch. According to the FIR, the accused have been identified as Ajay Kumar, Vijay Kumar, and Nitin Tyagi, all residents of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The trio reportedly presented themselves as directors of a Delhi-based company, using this facade to lure their victims.
The Modus Operandi of the Fraud
The accused approached the complainant's firm and another company, Sarla Project Works Pvt Ltd, whose authorised signatory is Manoj Rameshwar Sinha. They enticed both entities with promises of awarding large-scale road development projects in Maharashtra, valued at an impressive ₹1,000 crore. This grand offer was designed to appear legitimate and highly profitable, convincing the companies to engage financially.
Between September 25, 2024, and February 12, 2025, the accused successfully induced both companies to pay ₹2.5 crore each as an advance, culminating in a total fraud amount of ₹5 crore. The payments were made with the expectation of securing the promised infrastructure works, which never materialized.
Aftermath and Legal Action
Despite the significant financial outlay, neither company received any of the promised road development projects. Furthermore, when the firms attempted to recover their funds by requesting the return of the advance payments, their pleas were completely ignored by the accused. This blatant disregard for their obligations prompted the victims to seek legal recourse.
Based on the detailed complaint and a preliminary investigation, the police have registered an FIR under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include BNS Sections 318(4), 316(2), and 3(5), which pertain to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and other related offences. The case has now been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing for a thorough and in-depth investigation to uncover all aspects of this sophisticated scam.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Probe
This case highlights the growing sophistication of financial frauds targeting businesses with promises of large-scale government or infrastructure projects. The involvement of the Economic Offences Wing underscores the seriousness of the offence and the need for a meticulous probe to bring the perpetrators to justice. Authorities are likely to examine the financial trails, communication records, and any potential connections to similar scams to ensure comprehensive accountability.
As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge regarding the methods used by the accused to establish credibility and the extent of their fraudulent activities. This incident serves as a stark reminder for companies to exercise due diligence when engaging in high-value project agreements, especially with unfamiliar entities.
