Priest Files Cybercrime Complaint Over Rs 2 Crore Solar Panel Scam in Jamnagar
A 36-year-old priest has taken legal action against five individuals for an alleged solar panel fraud. He filed a complaint with the Jamnagar City Cybercrime police. The scam reportedly cheated him and many others through social media advertisements.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The total estimated fraud amounts to around Rs 2 crore. Police suspect more than 150 individuals may have fallen victim to this scheme. The accused operated under the name Intify Solar Private Limited.
Identified suspects include Kanu Bediyavadra, Hiren Lathiya, Chetan, Rahul, and Abhay Lodhi. Others may also be involved in this case.
How the Scam Unfolded
Complainant Javan Joshi, a resident of Sadhna Colony in Jamnagar city, came across a Facebook advertisement about six months ago. Intify Solar Private Limited promoted low-cost solar panels through these ads.
Joshi contacted the company using details from the advertisement. He got in touch with Hiren Lathiya via WhatsApp. Lathiya shared quotations and made several claims about the business.
Lathiya allegedly stated that he and Kanu Bediyavadra owned the firm. He said the company had been operating since 2022. The accused promised timely installation and reliable after-sales service.
The Financial Transaction and Broken Promises
On December 11, 2025, Joshi issued a cheque for Rs 1.54 lakh to purchase solar panels. The company promised installation within fifteen days.
However, twenty days passed without any installation work. Joshi tried repeatedly to contact the accused individuals. All his attempts failed completely.
This failure prompted him to approach the Jamnagar City Cybercrime police. He decided to file an official complaint about the situation.
Legal Action Taken
Police have registered a case based on Joshi's complaint. They invoked Sections 316(5), 318(4), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act also apply to this case. The investigation is currently ongoing as authorities look into the matter further.
This incident highlights the risks of online financial transactions. It serves as a cautionary tale for consumers considering purchases through social media advertisements.
