LUCKNOW: A joint team of the PGI and Mohanlalganj police, along with the surveillance unit, arrested two key accused on Saturday in a Rs 74 lakh property fraud case linked to Vrindavan Yojana. Each accused carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on their head. The arrest exposed a well-organised racket involving forged documents, financial manipulation, and intimidation.
Accused Identified
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sunil Kumar Shukla (46) and Vipin Kumar Shukla (36), both residents of Patel Nagar, Nilmatha, under the Sushant Golf City police station limits. They were nabbed on June 6 from a service lane near Kisan Path on Rae Bareli Road following a tip-off. Police officials confirmed that they are being produced before the court.
Case Background
The case originated from a complaint filed by Gayatri Devi of Unnao, who alleged that she was duped of Rs 73.99 lakh by a syndicate that promised to sell her a house in Vrindavan Yojana using forged documents and false assurances. An FIR was lodged at the PGI police station, and an investigation is ongoing.
Mastermind and Forger
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Zone) Vasant Kumar Rallapalli stated that police investigations have identified Sunil Shukla as the mastermind. He planned and executed the fraud by targeting the victim, orchestrating the preparation of forged property papers, and managing the proceeds. He allegedly attempted to portray the criminal act as a civil dispute through misleading tactics to dilute police action. Vipin Shukla, on the other hand, acted as a key forger and enforcer. He was involved in fabricating identity documents and signatures used in the fake deal. After the fraud surfaced, he allegedly issued threats to the victim to force a settlement and stall legal proceedings.
Modus Operandi
The ADCP explained the modus operandi, stating that the accused, along with other associates, lured the victim into a property deal, backing their claims with fabricated documents to establish legitimacy. Trusting the paperwork, the victim transferred nearly Rs 74 lakh. Once the money was secured, the accused delayed possession and eventually cut off communication.
When the victim pursued the matter, the gang allegedly tried to pass off the fraud as a business dispute while resorting to intimidation. Police say the syndicate included multiple operatives handling funds, logistics, and coercion, pointing to a structured criminal network.
