Raipur Solar Project Scam: Rs 53.60 Lakh Duped

Businessman cheated with promises of Bastar solar street light contracts; police register case against Rahul Shukla and aides

A businessman from Kachna was allegedly duped of Rs 53.60 lakh by individuals posing as influential political insiders promising lucrative solar street light projects in Bastar division's gram panchayats. The accused, including Rahul Shukla, took cash and bank transfers over months but delivered nothing, prompting a police complaint at Khamhardih station.

Promises of Government Tenders

The scam unfolded in 2024 when victim Ankit Goyal was introduced to Rahul Shukla through Nayant Khedia. Shukla claimed close ties to senior leaders and officials, assuring Goyal he could secure contracts for installing solar street lights across Bastar villages. Each unit would fetch around Rs 48,000, he said, painting a picture of hefty profits in the growing renewable energy push.

Goyal, eager for government work, handed over funds in instalments—cash and transfers—to Shukla, his wife, and associates. Initial assurances of imminent tenders kept him hooked, but delays mounted as months passed.

Fake Documents to Build Trust

To seal the deal, the accused showed forged papers linked to Jaintco company and supposed government tenders, sources familiar with the complaint said. These documents lent credibility, convincing Goyal the projects were real. Local authorities confirmed no such legitimate ties exist for the accused in Bastar solar initiatives.

When no work materialised and demands for refunds met with excuses, Goyal realised the trap. He approached Khamhardih police late last month, detailing the timeline from introduction to betrayal.

Police Launch Probe

Khamhardih station officers registered an FIR against Rahul Shukla and others under cheating and related charges. "We're scrutinising bank transactions, call records, and documents," a senior police official told reporters today. Raids are planned soon to nab the fugitives.

The case highlights risks in Chhattisgarh's solar sector, amid past scams like the Bastar solar light irregularities probed by high court, where crores vanished without installations.mpcg.

Rising Solar Frauds in State

Chhattisgarh has seen a spate of such cons, with similar ruses in Bilaspur where a lawyer lost over Rs 1.33 crore on solar pole promises last year. Accused there used liaison claims too, issuing bounced cheques. In Raipur earlier, contractors were fleeced Rs 4.39 crore for LED and solar jobs.

Businesses chasing green energy tenders are easy targets, police note, as rural electrification drives demand. Goyal's firm, focused on such supplies, now faces losses amid stalled expansion.

Impact on Victims

For small businessmen like Goyal, the hit is severe—funds meant for operations drained, trust shattered. "Many avoid reporting fearing clout of the accused," a local chamber source said, urging vigilance on unsolicited project offers.

No arrests yet, but investigators hint at wider network given the planning. As solar projects boom under state schemes, authorities vow tighter scrutiny to prevent repeats.