The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has arrested a proclaimed offender, Satyanarayan Anoria, 53, for allegedly defrauding a businessman of over Rs 9 crore in a ‘rice puller’ scam. Anoria was apprehended from Jaipur, Rajasthan, in connection with a case registered by the EOW in 2020.
Details of the Scam
The fraud originated in 2014 when Anoria and his associates reportedly convinced the complainant to invest in purportedly rare and valuable objects, including ‘rice pullers’, radioactive mirrors, and other antique items. To build trust, the accused posed as experts linked to prestigious scientific institutions and falsely claimed that agencies such as BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), and archaeological laboratories would test and certify the authenticity of the items.
The victim paid nearly Rs 9 crore through cash transactions, cheques, and RTGS transfers. However, investigators confirmed that no genuine testing was ever conducted, and no antique items were supplied.
Background of the Accused
Anoria was previously employed with the Jaipur Municipal Corporation but was dismissed from service in 2018 after being implicated in six similar financial fraud cases. He currently works as a priest at a temple in Jaipur.
Legal Proceedings
The EOW has registered a case and continues to investigate. Anoria was arrested as a proclaimed offender and will be produced before the court. Further details are awaited.
