A CBI court in Jaipur has sentenced a former bank official to seven years of imprisonment in a loan fraud case involving ₹83.69 lakh, after finding him guilty of financial irregularities.

A Special CBI Court in Jaipur has sentenced a former bank official to seven years of imprisonment in connection with a ₹83.69 lakh loan fraud case.

The court convicted the former bank official after finding him guilty in the loan fraud matter, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation-related update. 

The case involved allegations of fraudulent processing and sanctioning of loans, causing financial loss to the bank. The investigation was conducted by the CBI, which presented evidence before the court during the trial.

Court awards seven-year sentence

The CBI court awarded the accused seven years of imprisonment after the completion of judicial proceedings.

The conviction adds to a series of cases where courts have taken action against bank officials accused of misusing their positions in loan-related irregularities. 

Action against banking fraud

Bank fraud cases involving officials often involve allegations of bypassing established procedures, improper verification and irregular loan approvals.

The CBI has continued investigations and prosecutions in cases involving financial misconduct by banking personnel to safeguard public money and maintain accountability in financial institutions. 

The Jaipur court’s verdict reinforces the legal consequences for officials found guilty of facilitating fraudulent transactions.

Police in Chhattisgarh have launched an investigation after a Raipur-based businessman alleged that he was cheated of ₹1.13 crore by a group that promised to supply ₹45 crore worth of counterfeit currency. Investigators are examining not only the alleged financial fraud but also claims of a suspected fake currency network operating across state lines.

The case has been registered at Telibandha Police Station, where officials described the matter as sensitive and said multiple aspects of the alleged conspiracy are under scrutiny.

Social Media Contact Led to Deal

According to the complaint, the businessman, identified as Umesh Gupta, first came in contact with the accused after watching videos on social media.

The complainant alleged that the accused claimed to have access to a large quantity of counterfeit currency and proposed supplying ₹45 crore in fake notes in exchange for an advance payment of ₹1.13 crore.

Believing the claims, the businessman reportedly initiated discussions with the group, leading to several rounds of negotiations.

Meetings Held in Raipur and Maharashtra

Police said the alleged deal was discussed during multiple meetings held at hotels in Raipur's Telibandha area. The complainant also travelled to different locations in Maharashtra, where further meetings were reportedly organised to finalise the transaction.

Investigators are verifying the details of these meetings through hotel records, CCTV footage and travel documents.

Accused Allegedly Took Advance, Never Delivered

According to the FIR, the accused repeatedly assured the complainant that the counterfeit currency consignment would be delivered soon. However, after receiving the advance amount, they allegedly continued delaying the delivery by citing logistical and security-related reasons.

Despite repeated assurances, neither the promised counterfeit currency was supplied nor was the advance amount returned, prompting the businessman to approach the police.

Police Examining Two Separate Offences

Investigators said the case involves two important aspects.

The first concerns the alleged cheating of ₹1.13 crore. The second relates to claims made in the complaint regarding the proposed supply and circulation of counterfeit currency, which could attract additional legal provisions if substantiated during the investigation.

Police are analysing financial transactions, mobile phone records, communication between the parties and other documentary evidence to determine whether a larger organised network may have been involved.

Evidence Collection Underway

Officials said investigators are collecting CCTV footage from locations where meetings reportedly took place and are verifying cash transactions linked to the alleged deal.

Police are also coordinating with authorities in Maharashtra to trace the movement of the accused and identify other individuals who may have participated in the meetings or the alleged conspiracy.

Authorities are examining whether similar complaints have been reported elsewhere involving the same suspects.

Police Call Case Sensitive

Senior police officials have termed the matter highly sensitive due to the allegations involving counterfeit currency.

They have refrained from sharing further details while the investigation remains in progress, stating that additional information will be disclosed after verification of evidence and identification of all persons involved.

 The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR in an alleged ₹11.38 crore bank loan fraud following a complaint by Union Bank of India against Dhamtari Kpex Private Limited, its directors, guarantor, unidentified bank officials and other unknown persons.

The case came to light after central agencies conducted searches at a residence on Gaurav Path in Baloda Bazar from Saturday evening to Sunday evening. While the operation was initially believed to be an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid, the FIR confirms that the action was carried out by the CBI, with the Income Tax Department also conducting proceedings in connection with the matter.

Bank Alleges Diversion of Loan Funds

According to the FIR, Union Bank of India Regional Office, Raipur, through its Deputy General Manager and Regional Head Randhir Kumar, lodged a complaint on May 7, 2026, alleging that the company misused credit facilities sanctioned by the bank, causing significant financial loss.

Investigators allege that the accused diverted loan funds instead of utilising them for the intended business purpose.

Export Credit Facility Under Scanner

CBI said the company, engaged in bauxite trading and exports, was sanctioned an Export Packing Credit (EPC) facility of ₹15 crore on April 19, 2023.

The sanctioned limits included:

• ₹5 crore Cash Credit (CC)

• ₹7.50 crore Letter of Credit (LC)

• Other export-related banking facilities

The agency alleges that the company manipulated these facilities by routing money through associated firms.

Funds Allegedly Routed Through Related Firms

According to the investigation, loan proceeds were allegedly transferred to sister concerns and associated entities, including:

• Bharat Multi Trade

• Chris Enterprises

• Radhe Krishna Enterprises

CBI claims these firms had business or family links with the company's promoters and guarantors.

Investigators further alleged that funds withdrawn from the Cash Credit account were routed through these firms and deposited into the Export Packing Credit account on the same day, creating the impression that export credit liabilities had been repaid.

Transactions Under Investigation

The FIR highlights several transactions that are under scrutiny:

• March 26, 2024: ₹91 lakh transferred from the Cash Credit account and an equivalent amount deposited into the Packing Credit account.

• March 27, 2024: Around ₹1.63 crore routed similarly before being credited back.

• March 28, 2024: Nearly ₹1.97 crore allegedly circulated through related entities and redeposited.

CBI estimates that around ₹4.51 crore was allegedly rotated through this mechanism to artificially adjust liabilities.

Loan Turned NPA

The bank stated that the borrower failed to service the loan, following which the account was declared a Non-Performing Asset (NPA) on October 12, 2024.

As of January 31, 2026, the outstanding dues reportedly stood at ₹11.38 crore.

Accused Named in FIR

The FIR names:

• Dhamtari Kpex Private Limited

• Rajlakshmi Saraf (Director)

• Abhishek Gupta

• Kushal Soni (Guarantor)

• Unidentified bank officials

• Other unknown persons

The accused have been booked under provisions relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, falsification of accounts, and relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

CBI to Probe Financial Trail

The investigating agency said preliminary findings indicate sufficient grounds to investigate alleged misuse of bank funds and possible criminal conspiracy.

CBI will now examine financial transactions, the role of associated companies, bank officials and other individuals linked to the sanction and utilisation of the loan.

Kondagaon Police have uncovered an alleged inter-district financial fraud in which at least 43 teachers were reportedly cheated of ₹10–12 crore through a network that promised quick personal loans and high financial returns. Following a nearly three-month technical and financial investigation, police arrested five accused from Ambikapur, Jashpur and Sarangarh.

Investigators believe the fraud may have affected more victims than those identified so far, and the probe has now been expanded to trace additional suspects and possible accomplices.

43 Cases Confirmed, More Victims Suspected

According to police, 43 teachers have so far been identified as victims of the alleged scam. However, some teachers have claimed that many others have not approached authorities due to concerns over social stigma and reputational damage.

While police have officially confirmed fraud involving 43 complainants, local estimates suggest that 150 to 200 teachers across the district may have fallen prey to the scheme. These claims are yet to be independently verified.

How the Alleged Fraud Worked

Investigators said the accused approached teachers with promises of arranging multiple personal loans from different banks within a short period.

After securing loan approvals, the victims allegedly received only 40% of the sanctioned amount, while the remaining 60% was transferred into bank accounts controlled by the accused and their associates.

To gain the teachers' confidence, the accused allegedly assured them that the entire loan liability, including instalments and housing-related benefits, would be settled within two to three years. Believing these assurances, the victims signed loan-related documents.

Police said the accused later disappeared with the money, leaving the teachers responsible for repaying the full loan amount and monthly EMIs.

Fake Documents and Identity Manipulation

The investigation also revealed the alleged use of forged identity documents.

According to police, fake Aadhaar cards and other fabricated records were prepared in several cases. Investigators allege that victims' residential addresses were altered on official documents, enabling the accused to obtain loans from multiple banks using manipulated records.

Authorities are examining whether additional forged documents were used to facilitate the fraud.

Complaints Triggered Investigation

The case came to light after several teachers approached police with complaints of financial fraud.

Farasgaon resident Sanjay Kodopi alleged that he and his associates were cheated of nearly ₹2 crore on the pretext of securing personal loans.

Similarly, Anant Kumar Nirmalkar from Bade Dongar reported an alleged fraud of around ₹4 crore. Teachers including Devendra Kishore Khawas, Yogeshwar Baidya and others from the Keshkal area also filed complaints regarding similar transactions.

Based on these complaints, police registered four criminal cases at the Farasgaon and Keshkal police stations and launched a detailed investigation.

Five Arrested After Three-Month Probe

Under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Pankaj Chandra (IPS) and Additional SP Kapil Chandra, a special investigation team analysed bank records, mobile phone data, digital transactions and financial documents over three months.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of:

• Shivshankar Das (Ambikapur)

• Dilip Kumar Soni (Ambikapur)

• Virendra Tirkey (Jashpur)

• Shyamsundar Jangde (Sarangarh)

• Anshuman Singh (Ambikapur)

Police have seized mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, bank passbooks, cheque books, ATM cards, diaries, registers and other financial documents from the accused. These materials are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Banking System Loophole Under Examination

Investigators also found that the accused allegedly exploited delays in the banking system's credit reporting mechanism.

Officials said that loans obtained from one bank often take several days to appear in the central credit database. During this gap, the accused allegedly secured multiple loans from different banks in the names of the same individuals before previous borrowings were reflected in the system.

Financial experts say stronger real-time coordination among banks and faster verification of borrowers' credit records could help prevent such frauds in the future.

Investigation Continues

Police said questioning of the arrested accused is continuing and the investigation has now widened to examine the possible involvement of bank agents, intermediaries and other members of the alleged network.

Authorities suspect that the group may have carried out similar operations in other districts of Chhattisgarh, and further arrests are not being ruled out.

Two major alleged financial fraud cases have surfaced in Chhattisgarh, with police launching investigations into investment schemes that allegedly duped thousands of people across the state. In one case, a Bhilai-based investment company is accused of cheating investors of more than ₹1,000 crore through promises of high returns from share trading and Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). In another case, police have arrested five people for allegedly defrauding 43 teachers of nearly ₹12 crore through fraudulent personal loan schemes.

Bhilai Investment Firm Under Scanner

The first case emerged from the Supela area of Bhilai, where police registered a case against Arena Capital and its promoters after multiple investors alleged that they were lured into investing with promises of 10% monthly returns and claims that their money would double within a short period.

According to the complaint, the company initially paid returns for a few months, helping build investor confidence. However, payments reportedly stopped nearly ten months ago, prompting investors to suspect fraud.

The main accused, Yogesh Sahu, was allegedly apprehended by aggrieved investors when he appeared at a local court in connection with another case. The investors handed him over to the police, following which the Supela police registered an FIR.

The case has been filed against Yogesh Sahu and several others, including Megha Sahu, Govind Sahu, Rajendra Sahu, Padma Sahu, Lomash Sahu and Gyan Prakash Sahu, along with their associates, on charges of cheating.

Investors Claim Massive Losses

Retired BSP employee Raju Namdev, one of the complainants, alleged that he invested ₹15 lakh in March 2025 after being assured of attractive returns through share trading and investment plans.

According to the complaint, several other investors also deposited substantial amounts. Police documents mention alleged investments of ₹1.61 crore by Shadab Siddiqui, ₹1.12 crore by Indresh Kumar Bangre, ₹23 lakh by Vidyanand Chandra Dutta and Ankit Dutta, and ₹63 lakh by Arun Kumar and Pragya Dubey.

Another complainant, Vivek Singh, claimed that he and his family invested nearly ₹1.5 crore, including funds mobilised through relatives and acquaintances. He alleged that between 1,000 and 1,500 investors across Chhattisgarh may have been affected, with the total amount involved potentially exceeding ₹1,000 crore. These figures are based on complainants' claims and are yet to be independently verified by investigating agencies.

Police said they are examining bank transactions, investment documents and the financial network linked to the accused to determine the actual scale of the alleged fraud.

Previous Cases Against Main Accused

Investigators said Yogesh Sahu had previously faced criminal cases registered at Supela and Smriti Nagar police stations and had secured bail in those matters.

Following fresh complaints, police have initiated a detailed investigation to identify additional victims, trace financial transactions and determine whether the alleged investment scheme operated across multiple districts.

Separate Loan Fraud Targets Teachers

In a separate operation, Kondagaon police uncovered an alleged loan fraud involving 43 teachers, resulting in losses estimated at around ₹12 crore.

Police arrested five accused after a three-month financial and technical investigation.

According to investigators, the accused promised teachers quick personal loans and assured them that only 40% of the loan amount would need to be repaid, while claiming they would manage the remaining liability.

Instead, police allege that nearly 60% of the sanctioned loan amount was transferred into the accused persons' bank accounts, leaving the teachers responsible for repaying the entire loan along with monthly instalments.

Investigators said the accused also assured victims that the loans would be cleared within two to three years, including housing-related benefits, persuading them to sign loan documents.

Probe Underway

Police are continuing investigations in both cases by examining financial records, bank accounts, digital evidence and the role of all individuals connected to the alleged frauds.

Authorities have urged anyone who may have invested through the Bhilai-based company or fallen victim to similar schemes to come forward and assist the investigation.

A major banking fraud has surfaced in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam, where an outsourced employee of UCO Bank allegedly duped around 40 customers of more than ₹85 lakh by fraudulently breaking their fixed deposits (FDs) and transferring the money into his own account and those of his relatives and associates. Police have arrested seven people, including the outsourced employee and a former branch manager, in connection with the alleged conspiracy.

The fraud came to light after multiple customers reported discrepancies in their bank accounts and fixed deposits. Investigators believe the scam involved unauthorized transactions carried out through the bank's mobile application and internal access to customer accounts.

Complaint Exposes the Fraud

The case began after Ratlam resident Dinesh Banjara lodged a complaint at Manak Chowk Police Station on June 30 against Rahul Rathore, an outsourced employee at UCO Bank's Lakkadpeetha branch.

According to the complaint, Banjara had visited the branch on May 14 to open an account and handed over ₹72,500 to Rahul, who accepted the money, issued a bank-stamped receipt, and asked him to collect his passbook and ATM card a few days later.

However, when Banjara later attempted to withdraw the deposited amount, he was informed that only ₹2,500 was available in his account. The discrepancy prompted him to approach the police, leading to a wider investigation.

Fixed Deposits Allegedly Broken Through Mobile App

During the investigation, police found that Rahul Rathore had allegedly used the bank's mobile application to prematurely break customers' fixed deposits without their knowledge. The funds were initially transferred to his own account before being distributed among the accounts of his relatives and acquaintances.

Police said that as the investigation progressed, more victims came forward with similar complaints. So far, authorities have identified nearly 40 customers whose fixed deposits, ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹5 lakh, were allegedly misappropriated.

The total amount involved in the fraud has been estimated at more than ₹85 lakh.

Former Bank Manager Among Accused

Investigators also found alleged involvement of former UCO Bank branch manager Trilok Jha, who was previously posted at the Ratlam branch and is currently serving in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Police allege that the fraud was carried out as part of a planned conspiracy involving both the outsourced employee and the former manager. The investigation is examining the extent of each accused person's role in facilitating the fraudulent transactions.

Money Routed Through Relatives and Associates

According to police, Rahul Rathore transferred the fraudulently obtained money from his account to the bank accounts of his brother-in-law and several acquaintances. Investigators believe these individuals were allegedly persuaded to allow their accounts to be used in exchange for financial benefits.

Authorities are tracing the money trail and examining all linked bank accounts to determine the complete flow of funds.

Seven Arrested, Investigation Continues

Police have arrested Rahul Rathore, former manager Trilok Jha, Rahul's brother-in-law Mukesh Rathore, and four other accused identified as Ravi Kumawat, Dinesh Dhirajshah, Arun Jain and Jitendra Kumawat.

Rahul Rathore has been remanded to police custody until July 9 for further interrogation, while the remaining accused have been sent to judicial custody.

Investigators said they are verifying additional complaints and have not ruled out the possibility of more victims or further arrests as the probe continues.

The case has raised serious concerns about internal banking controls, customer account security and oversight of outsourced personnel handling sensitive financial transactions.

The Bilaspur investment scam allegedly lured a farmer with promises of turning ₹10,000 into ₹1 lakh within 24 hours, leading to 160 transactions and losses exceeding ₹21 lakh.

A farmer from Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district has allegedly lost more than ₹21 lakh in an online investment fraud after being promised extraordinary returns through a Telegram-based trading group. Police have registered a case under cheating and Information Technology Act provisions and launched an investigation into the Bilaspur investment scam.

The victim, identified as 38-year-old Narayan Singh Raj of Bharari Badpara village, reportedly transferred money over several months after being convinced that his investment would generate massive returns through forex trading. According to police, the fraudsters used a Telegram group and repeated profit projections to gain his trust before siphoning off a total of ₹21.32 lakh.

Link Led to Group

Officials said the sequence began on October 28, 2024, when Narayan received an unknown link on his mobile phone. After clicking on it, he was automatically added to a Telegram group operating under the name "India Promo Trading Company".

Members of the group allegedly introduced themselves as representatives of a forex trading firm and claimed they could double investments within a short period. The most attractive promise, according to the complaint, was that an investment of ₹10,000 could generate returns of up to ₹1 lakh within 24 hours.

Such claims persuaded the farmer to begin depositing money through online transfers.

Fake Profits Built Trust

Investigators said the fraudsters appeared to follow a common online scam pattern. After initial investments, the victim was shown virtual profits in his account.

Narayan alleged that at one stage he was shown gains worth around ₹6.80 lakh. The displayed profits encouraged him to invest larger amounts, believing that his money was growing rapidly.

However, when he attempted to withdraw funds, no payment was released. Repeated requests allegedly went unanswered, leading him to suspect fraud.

160 Transactions Recorded

The complaint reveals that money transfers continued for nearly a year.

Between December 2024 and November 2025, Narayan used accounts in India Post Payments Bank, Punjab National Bank and State Bank of India to transfer funds through UPI and other digital payment methods.

Police officials were reportedly surprised by the volume of transactions submitted as evidence. The victim arrived at the police station carrying a 46-page transaction record detailing around 160 separate payments made to accounts linked to the alleged scam.

Investigators are now examining these financial records to trace the recipients and establish the money trail.

Pressure Tactics Used

Preliminary inquiry suggests the fraudsters maintained constant communication with the victim through a Telegram user identified as "Agent Rajesh Pandey".

According to the complaint, the accused repeatedly pressured him to make fresh deposits by claiming that larger investments would unlock higher profits.

One transaction pattern cited by investigators showed how money was collected in quick succession. On January 23, 2025, multiple transfers were allegedly made within minutes, with five payments totalling ₹50,000 completed between 7:45 am and 8:17 am.

Police believe such tactics were designed to create urgency and prevent the victim from reconsidering his decisions.

Cyber Fraud Concerns

The case has once again highlighted the growing threat posed by online investment scams operating through social media and messaging platforms.

Police officials said many fraudsters exploit people's desire for quick financial gains by offering unrealistic returns and false guarantees. Authorities have advised citizens to avoid clicking unknown links and to verify the legitimacy of any investment platform before transferring money.

Cyber experts also caution that several groups claiming to offer forex trading opportunities on Telegram and WhatsApp operate without regulatory oversight and are often linked to fraudulent activities.

Investigation Continues

Pachpedi police have registered a case against unidentified accused persons and initiated efforts to identify those behind the Telegram group. Investigators are analysing digital evidence, bank account details and transaction records as part of the probe.

Officials have urged anyone approached with similar investment offers to report the matter immediately and avoid schemes promising unusually high returns in a short period.

Victims protested at SP office, demanded FIR and return of funds after couple allegedly vanished with investments.

Around 200 people in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, have accused a local couple of running a scheme that promised to “double” investors’ money and then disappearing, leaving families in financial distress, according to victims and local officials. The aggrieved staged a protest at the Superintendent of Police (SP) office on Wednesday, demanding an FIR and speedy action.

Who and where
Victims identified the accused as Aslam Ansari and his wife, Abla Sultana (also known as Nanda). The alleged fraud affected residents across Rewa city and surrounding localities, with many complainants saying they were women and elderly savers from neighbourhoods including (localities named by victims), who handed over lifetime savings or borrowed money to invest.

How the scheme worked
Sources familiar with the matter said the couple initially paid out small returns to early investors, building credibility. That encouraged a larger number of people to deposit money with them on the promise that their principal would double. According to victims’ estimates shared during the protest, the scheme drew in “lakhs to crores” of rupees collectively, though no consolidated total has been recorded by police.

Timeline and ground cues
Initial reports indicate payments were made for a short period before the accused began delaying returns. Over recent weeks, when more depositors asked for their money back, the couple reportedly became evasive and then went missing, leaving many households without funds in the run-up to daily expenses and bill payments. Protesters gathered at the SP office in the late morning, some carrying receipts and hand-written records of transactions.

Victims’ complaints
Speaking to reporters at the SP office, several victims described acute financial hardship. One woman said she had given “years of savings” to the couple after they approached her at home; another said she borrowed from relatives to make the deposit. Organisers of the protest claimed roughly 200 people were affected and handed over a memorandum calling for immediate FIR registration and recovery measures.

Police response
SP Guru Karan Singh received the delegation and acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. “We will investigate the matter and take appropriate action,” he told assembled victims, according to those present. Officials confirmed they have begun preliminary inquiries into complaints received at local police stations and that forensic checks on transaction records will follow. Police did not say whether an FIR had been registered at the time of the protest but assured demonstrators that legal steps would be taken.

Why this matters
Schemes that promise unrealistically high returns can devastate low- and middle-income households, particularly where social trust and word-of-mouth endorsements replace formal financial safeguards. Local consumer groups and a lawyer representing a cluster of victims said quick registration of an FIR is essential to preserve evidence, track suspected bank transfers or cash flows, and issue lookout notices if needed.

Background and context
Financial frauds using personal networks have surfaced periodically in smaller Indian towns, often blurring the line between informal lending and ponzi-style operations. Early payouts to initial investors are a common tactic to lure larger sums. Regulators and police have increasingly warned the public to verify registrations and insist on formal receipts and written contracts for any investment.

Impact and next steps
Protest leaders said they will continue pressure until an FIR is filed and the accused are located. Several victims are preparing to pursue a coordinated legal complaint with documentary evidence, receipts and witness statements. Police told reporters they would examine CCTV, phone records and bank transactions and coordinate with neighbouring districts if the accused have fled outside Rewa.

What to watch
Authorities’ next public update on FIR registration and the progress of the probe will be closely watched by victims. If a formal FIR is filed, the case could move quickly to asset-tracing and potential attachment requests to recover investor funds.

The investigation into the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor and District Mineral Foundation (DMF) scam has gathered pace, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) intensifying action against businessman Anwar Dhebar and retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja. Authorities claim that assets worth more than ₹1,400 crore linked to the accused and their associates have been attached as part of ongoing proceedings.

According to investigating agencies, the case involves allegations of large-scale financial irregularities and money laundering across multiple sectors. Officials allege that a network operating during the previous Congress-led government generated unlawful gains through several schemes and transactions. The allegations remain under investigation and are subject to judicial scrutiny.

Probe Scope Expanded

Investigators have widened the scope of the inquiry to examine financial transactions, asset ownership patterns, and the role of individuals associated with the alleged network. The ED has already filed prosecution complaints under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and further proceedings are underway before the designated court.

Officials claim that the alleged syndicate generated thousands of crores of rupees through multiple activities currently under investigation. Among these, the liquor-related case is being examined as one of the largest components of the overall probe.

Allegations in Liquor Case

According to the ED, the liquor scam investigation centres on allegations that illegal profits were generated through the distribution and sale of liquor via government-linked retail channels. Investigators allege that the network accumulated substantial proceeds of crime through these operations.

The agency has reportedly named dozens of individuals in connection with the case and continues to examine financial records, corporate structures, and transaction trails.

DMF and Other Cases

Apart from the liquor case, authorities are examining alleged irregularities involving District Mineral Foundation funds. Investigators claim that contracts were awarded to preferred entities and that commissions were allegedly collected through the execution of public projects.

Additional inquiries are underway into alleged irregularities involving hologram procurement, placement agency payments, and custom milling operations. Officials say these cases form part of a broader examination of public fund utilisation and procurement practices.

Assets Under Attachment

Investigating agencies state that attached assets include land parcels, commercial properties, investments, bank deposits, shares, mutual fund holdings, and other movable and immovable properties.

Officials claim that a significant portion of the attached assets consists of properties allegedly held through benami arrangements. The ownership and source of these assets remain subject to legal proceedings and court review.

Legal Proceedings Continue

The ED has informed the court about its findings through chargesheets and prosecution complaints filed under anti-money laundering laws. Hearings in the matter are expected to continue as investigators present evidence and financial records collected during the probe.

Authorities are also examining the role of other individuals who may have been connected to the alleged transactions and financial networks under investigation.

Bilaspur Holiday Package Scam: Firm Flees After Alleged 50 Lakh Fraud

Victims allege Clubriant Hospitality cheated dozens at Magneto Mall through fake gift vouchers and holiday package offers.

In a major fraud case reported from Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur, a travel firm operating out of a premium mall has allegedly decamped after duping scores of residents. The company, identified as Clubriant Hospitality Private Limited, reportedly lured victims with promises of free gifts and lucrative holiday packages before shutting down its operations overnight.

While initial police complaints account for over ₹8 lakh, victims gathered at the site claim the total swindled amount could range between ₹50 lakh and ₹1 crore. The Civil Line police have registered an FIR against 16 individuals, including the company’s directors and staff.

Trapped by the ‘Lucky Draw’ bait

The fraud came to light when Amit Gupta, a local resident, approached the police. Gupta stated that he received a phone call on February 20 informing him that his name had been selected in a lucky draw. He was asked to collect his prize from Office No. 415, located on the fourth floor of Magneto Mall.

Upon reaching the office, Gupta was given a high-pressure sales pitch regarding "unmissable" holiday memberships. Enticed by the offers, he transferred ₹25,000 on February 27, followed by another ₹50,000 under the pretext of ticket booking and processing fees.

Office found locked as staff vanished

The suspicion grew when the promised travel details and vouchers failed to arrive via email. When Gupta tried contacting the representatives, their phones were switched off. On April 24, he visited the mall only to find the office locked.

Sources familiar with the matter said that nearly 20 other victims were already present at the mall entrance, realizing they had been duped in a similar fashion. The firm had promised seamless bookings but disappeared as soon as the collection targets were met.

Initial probe reveals multi-city network

Preliminary investigations suggest a well-organized racket. Apart from Amit Gupta, other victims include Sushant Kumar (₹76,000), Rohit Sharma (₹1.28 lakh), and Dr. Sharad Karnewar (₹1.10 lakh). Police officials noted that the scam followed a consistent pattern of targeting salaried professionals and credit card holders.

Further inquiries revealed that the gang did not limit its operations to Bilaspur. The firm allegedly operated similar desks at Magneto Mall in Raipur and Surya Mall in Bhilai, indicating a wider network across Chhattisgarh’s major urban hubs.

Police name 16 in FIR

Following the outcry, Civil Line police have booked the main operator, Nagesh Balasaheb Sakhre, and his associate Shrimant Ram Khande. The FIR also names 14 other employees, including Kiran Muni, Imran Ansari, Sahil Thakur, and Muskan Gupta, among others, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating.

Local authorities confirmed that teams are being formed to track the digital footprints of the transactions and locate the accused, who are believed to have fled the state.

Potential for higher fraud figures

"We are currently documenting the statements of those who have come forward," a senior officer involved in the probe said. "Given the duration the office was functional, we expect the number of victims to rise significantly."

Authorities have urged other citizens who may have invested in schemes by Clubriant Hospitality to report to the Civil Line police station. For now, the mall management is also being questioned regarding the lease agreements and credentials provided by the firm while renting the office space.

Highway Seizure Row

A suspected Guna hawala case has triggered fresh controversy in Madhya Pradesh after allegations surfaced that police personnel seized ₹1 crore in cash from a vehicle and later returned a portion under questionable circumstances.

The incident reportedly took place on National Highway-46 near the Ruthiyai checkpost in Guna, raising serious concerns about procedural lapses and possible misconduct.

Cash Recovery Details

According to initial information, police intercepted a Gujarat-registered Scorpio vehicle during routine night checking between Thursday and Friday.

During the search, officials allegedly recovered around ₹1 crore in cash from the vehicle. Sources indicated that the occupants were taken aside for questioning after the recovery, as per standard protocol in suspected hawala transactions.

However, what followed has now become the centre of the controversy.

Alleged Deal Struck

Sources familiar with the matter claimed that instead of following due legal process, an informal ‘settlement’ was allegedly reached between the police team and the vehicle occupants.

It is alleged that police personnel retained ₹20 lakh from the seized amount and returned ₹80 lakh to the occupants, allowing them to leave without formal action.

The claims, if proven, point to a serious breach of law enforcement procedures in handling suspected financial crimes.

IPS Call Twist

The situation reportedly took a dramatic turn after a call was made by a senior IPS officer from Gujarat.

Following the intervention, the police team is said to have returned the ₹20 lakh that had allegedly been retained earlier. The sequence of events has intensified scrutiny and raised questions about external influence in policing matters.

Officials have not confirmed the identity of the IPS officer or the nature of the communication.

Official Response

Superintendent of Police Ankit Soni acknowledged that the matter has come to his notice.

“Information regarding the incident has been received. However, no formal complaint has been filed so far,” he said, adding that appropriate action would follow if any wrongdoing is established.

The vehicle owner has reportedly denied the allegations, further complicating the inquiry process.

Background Context

The case has drawn comparisons with a recent incident in Seoni district, where allegations of irregularities in handling seized cash had surfaced.

Such cases fall under the broader ambit of hawala operations, which involve illegal money transfers outside formal banking channels. Authorities usually follow strict seizure, documentation, and legal procedures in such matters.

Any deviation from protocol can attract departmental action as well as criminal investigation.

Impact and Concerns

The alleged incident has sparked concern among officials and the public over transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

Experts say such allegations, even at a preliminary stage, can undermine trust in policing systems and complicate efforts to curb financial crimes.

The case is also being seen as part of a broader pattern flagged in recent India News Update reports involving enforcement lapses in sensitive financial matters.

Next Steps Ahead

Senior officials from the Gwalior range are closely monitoring developments and may visit Guna to oversee the inquiry.

An internal probe is expected to examine CCTV footage, checkpost logs, and personnel deployment records to establish the sequence of events.

If substantiated, the findings could lead to disciplinary action against those involved and possibly a formal criminal case.

The Guna hawala case remains under scrutiny as authorities assess the facts in what is emerging as a significant Latest News Today development with wider implications for policing standards in the state.