According to police, the accused, identified as Ankit Sharma, was employed as the personal driver of Dr. Rakesh Verma, principal of a government college in Dolaria. The complaint was registered on February 17 at Kotwali Police Station, after which the accused was arrested and produced before a court that granted one day of police remand.
Station in-charge Kanchan Thakur said the accused allegedly fabricated a story claiming he had discovered hidden treasure during excavation at a house in Kalika Nagar. To convince the victim, he staged a demonstration and handed over a red pouch, claiming it contained gold. He then warned that police had learned about the treasure and that possession could lead to arrest.
Investigators say the suspect escalated the deception by inventing threats, including claims that influential figures from Ujjain were involved and that the principal could face legal trouble or even danger if he did not cooperate. He also allegedly produced a man posing as the principal to suggest a fabricated legal case was being prepared, thereby pressuring the victim to pay money to “resolve” the situation.
Police said the money was taken in multiple installments over time. The supposed pouch of gold, central to the fraud narrative, has not yet been recovered. Officers are continuing interrogation of the accused and examining financial transactions to trace the funds.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Jitendra Pathak stated that further disclosures are expected as questioning progresses and that the involvement of additional accused persons or accomplices cannot be ruled out. Investigators are also verifying whether similar methods were used to target others.
Authorities described the case as an example of psychological manipulation rather than conventional financial fraud. They urged citizens to remain cautious of schemes involving hidden treasure, supernatural claims, or threats of legal action used to demand money.
Police said efforts are underway to recover the defrauded amount and gather forensic and documentary evidence before filing a detailed charge sheet. The investigation remains ongoing.
