Interstate Vehicle Rental Scam Uncovered in Ujjain
Police in Ujjain have successfully dismantled an interstate criminal network involved in an elaborate vehicle rental fraud scheme. Three members of the gang were apprehended in the Panbihar area, exposing their method of renting heavy machinery and vehicles only to sell them illegally in other states.
The Complaint That Started the Investigation
The case came to light when Ravi Malawat, a resident of Bhilkheda village, filed an official complaint with Panbihar police on July 1. According to his statement, his former acquaintance Shahrukh from Indore had taken his JCB machine on rent for one month but failed to fulfill the rental agreement.
Shahrukh neither paid the agreed Rs 1 lakh rental amount nor returned the expensive earth-moving equipment at the stipulated time. Following the complaint, Panbihar police registered a formal case against the accused and launched a thorough investigation.
Breakthrough in Ratlam and Recovery of Stolen Property
During their investigation, Panbihar police received crucial information that Ratlam police had detained three individuals involved in similar criminal activities. The Panbihar police team immediately traveled to Ratlam to question the suspects.
During interrogation, the three arrested individuals confessed to their involvement with Shahrukh in selling the stolen JCB machine. They revealed that they had sold the earth mover for Rs 8 lakh in Dhulia, Maharashtra, before police recovered it from their possession.
Current Status and Ongoing Manhunt
Panbihar police have successfully obtained custody of the three accused through proper legal remand procedures. However, the main accused, Shahrukh, remains at large as police continue their efforts to locate and apprehend him.
Police Station In-Charge Jayant Damor confirmed that the investigation has uncovered a pattern of similar crimes, suggesting this interstate gang had been operating across multiple regions. The successful arrest and recovery demonstrate effective coordination between police departments in different locations.
Authorities have warned vehicle owners to exercise caution when renting out their equipment and to verify the credentials of potential renters thoroughly. The case highlights the growing sophistication of rental fraud schemes operating across state borders in India.
