Raipur Police have arrested seven alleged members of a fraud syndicate accused of cheating people by promising to double their money and convert bundles of black paper into genuine currency using chemicals. The arrests were made at a resort in Pune during an investigation into a ₹1.13 crore cheating case involving a businessman from Balod, Chhattisgarh.

According to police, two women were arrested earlier in connection with the Balod case. Their interrogation reportedly provided digital leads, including mobile chats, contact numbers and social media accounts, which helped investigators trace the alleged masterminds to Pune. Police then kept the suspects under surveillance for nearly a week before raiding a resort in Khandala. The accused were allegedly attempting to convince another person from Varanasi to hand over money as part of the same fraud.

Police identified the arrested suspects as Gyan Prakash Srivastava alias Yogi, Praveen Kumar Srivastava alias Captain, Shetty and Reddy, Manoj Kumar Srivastava alias Bade Sir, Vivek Singh, Shubham Pandey, Yogendra Chauhan and Balmukund Dixit. The investigation has also indicated that the alleged syndicate had been operating since around 2005 and may have targeted more than 100 people across different cities. Police said some members of the network are still absconding.

The alleged fraud was based on what is commonly known as a “wash-wash” or black currency scam. Investigators said the suspects used black paper cut to the size of currency notes along with chemicals and staged demonstrations to convince potential victims that blackened notes could be converted into genuine currency. In some cases, genuine currency was reportedly used during demonstrations to establish credibility.

The suspects allegedly approached prospective victims at clubs, parties, yoga centres and high-profile gatherings, where they built contacts with financially well-off people. They reportedly presented themselves as members of influential business networks and claimed links with the Reserve Bank of India, senior officials and other powerful individuals. Police said the accused also used photographs with politicians and film personalities and sometimes appeared with private security personnel to create an impression of influence.

Meetings were allegedly arranged at expensive hotels, villas and resorts in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Rajasthan and Gujarat. During these meetings, victims were reportedly promised access to foreign investment, influential contacts or schemes that could multiply their money. Once trust was established, the accused allegedly demanded money in instalments under different pretexts, including chemicals, testing, security clearances and fund-release procedures.

Police said the gang had a specific method for gaining the confidence of victims. In the initial stage, victims were allegedly given genuine currency and shown a demonstration involving chemical treatment. After the victim became convinced, the accused would allegedly replace genuine notes with bundles of black paper made to resemble currency. The victim was then persuaded to invest a much larger amount, after which the suspects would disappear or demand additional money.

More than ₹4 crore in cash, 17 mobile phones, black paper cut into currency-note sizes, glass plates and other materials were reportedly seized during the investigation. Police said the accused have admitted to similar offences in Chhattisgarh, Noida, Pune, Vadodara, Udaipur and Delhi. Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Manoj Kumar Srivastava have also reportedly faced previous cheating cases in Mumbai and Varanasi.

The investigation has revealed another unusual aspect of the alleged operation. Police said some of the accused had themselves fallen victim to a similar scam before 2005. After losing money, they allegedly learned the method and subsequently built their own network to target others.

The case came to light after Balod businessman Umesh Kumar Sinha allegedly lost ₹1.13 crore after being promised ₹45 crore in investment for expansion of his company. The investigation into that complaint eventually led police to the wider alleged syndicate. Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims, trace the money trail and locate other suspects.

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 investigation into Chhattisgarh’s alleged ₹17-crore fake snakebite compensation scam has intensified after three clerical staff members of the Bilaspur tehsil office were suspended following their arrest, triggering protests by government employee unions and raising concerns over administrative functioning in the district.

The latest development comes after Bilaspur Police arrested revenue clerks Garib Binjhwar, Narendra Kaushik and Hariram Rathore in connection with the alleged fraudulent disbursement of compensation meant for families of snakebite victims. The three were subsequently suspended from service. Police have also indicated that statements from eight more revenue employees are yet to be recorded as the probe expands.

The arrests have prompted strong opposition from the Chhattisgarh Revenue Clerks’ Association and the Chhattisgarh Junior Administrative Service Association. Both organisations have demanded an impartial investigation and warned of a collective leave if action against employees continues without what they describe as a fair and transparent inquiry.

Earlier, police had already arrested Govind Vishwakarma, Vakil Khandekar and Dr Priyanka Soni in the same case. Investigators say more employees could come under scrutiny as evidence is examined.

Tehsil Work Comes to a Halt

In protest against the arrests, clerical staff in the Bilaspur tehsil office observed a day-long strike under the banner of the Revenue Clerks’ Association. The protest disrupted routine public services, including mutation, land partition and demarcation proceedings.

Citizens visiting the tehsil office from distant areas reportedly returned without getting their work done. Even though the tehsildar remained present in court, proceedings could not move forward because supporting staff and files were unavailable during the strike.

The unions claim employees were arrested after being called to police stations merely for recording statements, creating an atmosphere of fear among revenue personnel across the district.

More Employees Under Scanner

According to police, eight additional clerks have been summoned for questioning in connection with separate FIRs registered at Sarkanda police station. Employee representatives say all of them cooperated with investigators when they appeared before police on July 23, but now fear further arrests.

As the probe gathers pace, reports suggest several employees are attempting to secure transfers to other offices amid concerns over the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, notices have also been served to seven tehsildars. The Junior Administrative Service Association has submitted a memorandum to senior government officials, arguing that responsibility for approving compensation rests with the presiding authority rather than clerical staff.

Unions Question Role of Clerks

Employee organisations maintain that revenue clerks and readers are responsible only for placing documents and maintaining court records. They argue that final approval of compensation claims lies with the competent authority and that clerical staff should not be held solely accountable before the investigation is completed.

The unions have sought a comprehensive inquiry into allegations involving forged signatures, fake seals and fabricated affidavits, insisting that action should target those directly responsible for approving fraudulent claims rather than employees handling documentation.

How the Alleged Scam Worked

The alleged fraud surfaced after a significant mismatch was found between official snakebite deaths and compensation claims.

According to figures cited in the investigation, Jashpur district recorded 96 snakebite deaths over the past three years, while Bilaspur alone allegedly processed compensation for 431 snakebite deaths worth around ₹17.24 crore.

The issue gained political attention after it was raised in the Chhattisgarh Assembly by BJP MLA Sushant Shukla. Following the uproar, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma ordered a high-level inquiry and assured strict action against those found guilty.

Under government norms, the family of a person who dies from a snakebite is entitled to financial assistance of ₹4 lakh.

Investigators allege that forged medical records, fabricated official documents and fake snakebite certificates were used to claim compensation in cases where deaths had occurred due to other causes. Police also claim that in several instances compensation was withdrawn without the knowledge or consent of the deceased's family members.

The investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of 17 people, including doctors, police personnel and revenue department employees. According to investigators, an organised network allegedly facilitated fake compensation claims by preparing forged documentation in exchange for money, with multiple departments suspected to have been involved.

Authorities say the investigation is continuing, and further arrests are possible as police examine financial transactions, official records and the role of additional government employees.

Police in Chhattisgarh have arrested a Madhya Pradesh resident for allegedly cheating a Bhilai woman of nearly ₹85 lakh by exploiting her faith through claims of occult rituals and later luring her with promises of high returns from share trading and fake job opportunities.

The accused, identified as Pawan Badhoriya, a native of Jabalpur who was later living in Indore, was arrested from Indore by a Bhilai police team. He has been sent to judicial custody while investigators examine his bank accounts, financial transactions and the possible involvement of other people in the fraud.

According to police, the case was registered at Bhilai Nagar Police Station following a complaint filed by Sangeeta Kashyap around two weeks ago.

Acquaintance Turned into Fraud

Police said the woman first met the accused during a family function in Raipur in 2023. During their conversation, she reportedly shared details of personal and family problems.

The accused allegedly claimed that he possessed spiritual powers and could resolve her family's difficulties through religious rituals and occult practices. After gaining her confidence, he remained in regular contact and repeatedly demanded money for special prayers, rituals and ceremonies. Trusting his claims, the woman transferred money to him in multiple instalments.

Fear of Evil Spirits Used to Extract Money

According to the complaint, the accused repeatedly warned the woman that her family was under the influence of evil spirits and supernatural forces. He allegedly claimed that unless expensive rituals were performed on time, serious harm would come to the family.

Investigators said he also convinced her to arrange secret rituals and maintain continuous religious ceremonies, including lighting lamps for 43 days, to strengthen her belief and justify repeated financial demands.

Prediction of Husband's Accident

The woman alleged that the accused warned her that her husband could meet with a serious road accident if a special ritual was not performed. He allegedly collected around ₹1.5 lakh for the ceremony.

Some time later, her husband died in a road accident. Police said the accused allegedly continued exploiting her grief by demanding more money even during the period of medical treatment. He reportedly used various excuses, including claiming that his parents were critically ill or had died, and at one point even claimed he had been arrested by police and urgently needed money for his release.

Trading Profits and Fake Job Promises

Police said the accused later expanded the fraud by targeting the woman's son. He allegedly persuaded the family to invest in share market and online trading, promising exceptionally high returns and claiming to have connections with major investors.

The family transferred substantial amounts into his bank accounts but received neither profits nor refunds.

Investigators also alleged that he later promised to secure a government job, produced fake appointment documents and collected additional money on that pretext. In one instance, he allegedly called the complainant to Bhopal, where he accepted ₹4 lakh in cash.

Threats and Emotional Pressure

When the woman began demanding her money back, the accused allegedly resorted to intimidation and emotional manipulation.

According to the complaint, he sent a WhatsApp photograph showing injuries to his wrist in an apparent attempt to pressure the family into abandoning their demands. Police also said he threatened to implicate the woman and her son in false criminal cases and warned that hired goons would harm them if they continued asking for repayment.

Investigation Underway

After registering the case, Bhilai police tracked the accused to Indore with assistance from the local police and arrested him. Officials have seized his mobile phone linked to bank accounts, along with identification documents.

Bhilai Nagar CSP Satyaprakash Tiwari said investigators are analysing the accused's bank transactions and examining whether additional victims or accomplices are connected to the alleged fraud.

 Indian-origin businessman Gaurav Srivastava, who is already facing multiple fraud-related cases in the United States, has been accused of orchestrating a major defence-linked fraud in Indonesia by allegedly posing as a covert operative of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), according to a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Indonesian magazine Tempo.

The investigation alleges that Srivastava cultivated a close relationship with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was serving as the country's defence minister at the time, by falsely claiming to have links with the CIA. Investigators claim he secured a fraudulent loan worth approximately ₹425 crore in the name of proposed defence procurement projects between 2020 and 2022.

Defence Procurement at Centre of Allegations

According to the investigation, Srivastava allegedly promised to facilitate the acquisition of advanced military equipment for Indonesia, including 36 F-15 fighter aircraft, Black Hawk helicopters, C-130 transport aircraft, and sophisticated military command systems.

The proposed fighter jet deal alone was reportedly valued at nearly ₹1.32 lakh crore.

Investigators further alleged that the transactions were routed through four shell companies, which were later shut down after reportedly failing to meet tax obligations.

Luxury Property Purchased with Alleged Fraud Proceeds

The report also claims that Srivastava used funds obtained through the alleged scheme to purchase a luxury mansion in Los Angeles worth around ₹208 crore.

He has reportedly been facing several fraud-related legal cases in the United States since 2024.

Claims of Close Access to Indonesian Leadership

The OCCRP-Tempo investigation alleges that Srivastava won the confidence of Prabowo Subianto, who allegedly referred to him as "Mr G."

According to the report, Srivastava impressed Indonesian officials by sharing personal details about Prabowo that were believed to be known only to close associates. Investigators also claim he told officials he had played a role in tracking suspects involved in the 2002 Bali bombings and had helped remove Prabowo's name from a US immigration blacklist.

These claims have not been independently verified.

Indonesia Says No Financial Loss Incurred

Responding to the allegations, Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Riko Sirait stated that none of the proposed defence procurements progressed to the stage of a final agreement.

He said that because no contracts were executed, the Indonesian government did not suffer any direct financial loss.

Alleged False CIA Identity

Court documents cited in the investigation allege that Srivastava falsely portrayed himself as a "non-official cover" (NOC) operative working for the CIA.

He allegedly claimed to have trained at the agency's secret training facility known as "The Farm" and told associates he had participated in covert missions across several countries. The lawsuit also alleges he fabricated stories of being captured by ISIS during a mission in Congo and escaping captivity, while attributing scars on his body to classified operations.

US court filings and media reports further allege that Srivastava used photographs with senior American political leaders—including former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and Senator Chuck Schumer—to bolster his credibility. Investigators, however, said these interactions were linked to political donations and attendance at public events rather than any official government role.

The allegations remain under legal scrutiny, and investigations in both the United States and Indonesia are ongoing.

An 87-year-old woman in Bilaspur district has accused a local BJP-supported panch of using KYC, paddy-registration and insurance pretexts to grab property and cash worth about ₹90 lakh, and on Thursday the police booked the accused after the matter reached the SSP’s office.

Allegations and lead details
According to the complaint filed by Balkunvar Basor of Belgahna village, the accused — identified as panch Fagun Prasad Prajapati alias Monu, a resident of Kenda — cultivated a relationship by offering help and carrying out KYC formalities for her bank account. Initial reports indicate that on 14 December 2021, about ₹23 lakh was transferred from Basor’s Indian State Bank account into the accused’s account, the complaint says.

Land and documents
Basor told officials she was taken to Kota tehsil in July and September 2022 for “paddy registration” that was presented as necessary to sell produce. She alleges multiple documents were signed and thumb impressions taken. Later, when Basor checked with the cooperative bank and the patwari, she learned that no paddy sale had been recorded in her name and that two plots — khata numbers 763 and 991/2, totalling about 6.34 acres (roughly 2.5 hectares) in Lufa gram panchayat — had been transferred in the accused’s name.

Vehicle and jewellery transfers
The complaint also states that vehicles registered earlier in the name of her deceased son Ramesh — a Centro car, an Activa and a small commercial vehicle — were shown to require insurance or paperwork updates. Basor alleges that after giving thumb impressions, she later found the three vehicles transferred to Prajapati’s name. She further says gold and silver kept at home were taken by the accused.

Local response and police delays
Basor and her relatives said they repeatedly approached local authorities — Belgahna police chowki, the SDOP office in Kota and the SSP office in Bilaspur — seeking redress. They allege the police delayed action for a long time and, after what they say was an intermediary payment of ₹2 lakh from the accused’s side, told them the matter was not fit for investigation and advised them to pursue civil remedies in court under Section 174 final report procedures.

Escalation to IG, SSP intervention
On Thursday, Basor visited the IG office in Bilaspur and submitted a written complaint to DSP Vivek Sharma after she could not meet IG Ramgopal Garg. Her submission included a request for dignity and, as she described it, a plea for “right to die” (a statement she used to highlight her distress at alleged injustice). DSP Sharma said he would review the matter and ensure action, sources said.

After the application reached SSP Rajnesh Singh, the police ordered a probe and registered a case against Prajapati under sections related to cheating, fraudulent transfer of property and other relevant provisions. Officers are now examining bank transactions, land registry entries and vehicle transfer documents, a police official confirmed.

Ground-level cues
Villagers and relatives described Basor as a widow who survives by selling jhawa-tukni (bamboo baskets); she lives with one daughter who cares for her. Neighbours told reporters the family had little means and that the case had created palpable anger in the locality. Several residents said they had seen the accused routinely helping the elderly woman before the alleged transfers came to light.

Next steps in probe
Police said forensic scrutiny of the disputed signatures and thumb impressions, along with bank records and land registry documents, will determine whether the transfers were fraudulent. The investigating officer added that records from the cooperative bank and the tehsil office were being sought and that vehicle registration and insurance companies would be asked for transfer paperwork.

Why it matters
The case highlights recurring vulnerabilities facing elderly, low-income residents in rural India, where informal assistance can be exploited to execute property transfers. Rights activists say quick, transparent criminal probes are essential to deter similar cases and restore public confidence in local institutions.

Related developments
Officials have not released statements by the accused so far. The police have called for a technical review and said they would update the complainant once document verification is complete.

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.

Bhopal man who ran Faith Cricket Academy arrested in fraud case involving ex-DGP

olice arrested the owner of Faith Cricket Academy, identified as 44-year-old Raghavendra Singh Tomar, late Thursday night in connection with a four-year-old fraud case that allegedly targeted retired Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police H.M. Joshi, officials said. The arrest comes after a local probe found a forged agreement used to remove Joshi from a partnership over land earmarked for a cricket academy.

Arrest and charges
According to Sanjeev Chouksey, station in-charge at Habibganj police station, Tomar was taken into custody from his residence in Bhopal. He faces charges under sections related to cheating and forgery after an FIR was registered several years ago following a complaint by Joshi.

“Initial reports indicate Tomar prepared a fake agreement and used forged signatures to deprive Joshi of his share in the partnership firm,” Chouksey said. “The matter pertains to land in Semri village, under Ratibad police limits, where the academy was to be set up.”

How the deal unfolded
Sources familiar with the matter said the original deal was struck in 2017, when Joshi — who lives in E-5 Arera Colony — entered a partnership with the Faith Group for development of a cricket facility on his land in Gram Semri. The partnership company was registered as Messrs Faith Cricket Club and the parties began work on planning the academy.

Two years into the arrangement, investigators say, Tomar allegedly produced a document purporting to remove Joshi from the firm. The agreement, police contend, bore what turned out to be forged signatures and was used to transfer rights away from the former DGP.

Police action and evidence
After Joshi lodged a complaint, the case was examined by local investigators and an FIR was registered. Police said handwriting and signature analysis, along with documentary scrutiny carried out during the probe, raised doubts about the validity of the agreement; those findings formed the basis for the recent arrest.

Chouksey added that investigators recovered several documents from Tomar’s office during searches, which are being examined for links to the alleged fraud. “We are gathering more documentary evidence and questioning witnesses,” he said. “Further charges may follow depending on what the probe turns up.”

Local reactions
Neighbours in Semri and residents of Ratibad who spoke to reporters on Friday said the dispute has stalled work at the cricket ground and unsettled local plans for a sports facility. “We were hopeful the academy would bring training opportunities for youth,” said one resident. “But the legal fight has kept everything on hold.”

The former DGP, according to sources, has cooperated with the police inquiry. Officials declined to share details of any financial recovery efforts or the current status of the land, saying the property title and transfer records are part of an ongoing legal review.

Legal timeline and next steps
The case dates back roughly four years, with the FIR filed after Joshi noticed what he believed were irregularities in the firm’s paperwork. Following the filing, investigators conducted documentary checks and a probe was opened. Tomar’s arrest on Thursday night — nearly a year after the case came into sharper focus locally — reflects renewed investigative activity, officials said.

Tomar will be produced before a magistrate on Friday and police expect to seek his custodial remand to question him further. Meanwhile, investigators plan to obtain more forensic reports and may call additional witnesses linked to the 2017 deal.

Why it matters
The case has attracted attention partly because it involves a retired top police official and partly because it highlights recurring problems in local land and partnership disputes, legal experts said. Fraud involving forged agreements can complicate title clearances and stall development projects, affecting local communities and investors.

What to watch
Authorities said they will update the public once the magistrate hearing concludes and as forensic findings are finalized. For the neighbourhood in Semri, the key question remains whether the stalled cricket academy will now resume development or remain tied up in litigation for a longer period.

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.

Rs 1.5-Crore LPG Heist in Mahasamund: 90 MT Gas Stolen After Seizure; FIR Lodged

Police have booked the owner and director of Thakur Petrochemicals for allegedly siphoning off 90 metric tonnes of seized LPG gas and selling it illegally.

In a massive scandal involving the misappropriation of government-seized property, the Mahasamund police have unearthed an LPG theft racket worth an estimated Rs 1.5 crore. The case involves the owner and director of Thakur Petrochemicals, who allegedly emptied six seized gas capsules—originally handed over to them for safe custody—and sold the fuel in the black market through domestic and commercial cylinders.

The fraud came to light after the accused attempted to mislead the district administration by claiming the gas had "leaked" from the containers. However, a technical investigation revealed a calculated heist, leading to the registration of an FIR at Singhoda police station.

Seizure of 90 MT LPG

The matter dates back to December 2025, when Singhoda police intercepted six LPG gas capsules. Due to a lack of valid legal documentation, the vehicles, carrying a combined load of 90 metric tonnes of LPG, were impounded. Concerned about the safety hazard of parked gas tankers inside the police station premises, the police moved the District Collector to shift the vehicles to a secure facility.

Following the Collector’s directive, the Food Department contacted Santosh Singh Thakur, owner of Thakur Petrochemicals. On March 30, 2026, the six tankers were officially handed over to the company for safekeeping at its plant in Urla, Abhanpur, located roughly 200 kilometers from the police station.

Elaborate Siphoning Operation

Sources familiar with the matter said the company management exploited a critical lapse: the tankers were not weighed at the time of handover. Taking advantage of this, Santosh Singh Thakur and Director Sakin Thakur allegedly moved the trucks to their plant but delayed official weighing for over a week.

Between April 6 and April 8, while the tankers were parked near the plant, the gas was systematically transferred into the company’s bullet tanks. "When their storage reached capacity, they reportedly filled the remaining gas into private tankers and cylinders, selling it to various agencies in Raipur using 'kaccha' (unofficial) bills," an official involved in the probe confirmed.

Technical Experts Debunk Leakage

To cover their tracks, the accused reported to the administration that the LPG had leaked out. However, the police roped in national-level experts to verify the claim. The investigation concluded that it is physically impossible for 20 tonnes of gas to leak from a single capsule over three months without causing a major explosion or fire. The experts noted that the capsules were structurally sound, pointing directly to manual extraction.

Financial Discrepancies Surface

The paper trail further nailed the suspects. A three-day audit of company records revealed that in April, Thakur Petrochemicals officially purchased only 47 tonnes of LPG but recorded sales of 107 tonnes. "The math didn't add up. They were selling nearly 60 tonnes of gas that never existed on their purchase registers," said a senior police officer. Investigators also found that the "unofficial" registers for April had been destroyed or hidden to vanish the evidence of illegal transactions.

Raids and Arrests

Mahasamund police have since conducted raids at the facility, seizing seven LPG tankers, four large bullet tanks, 100 cylinders, and digital evidence including DVRs and computers. While the main accused, Santosh Singh Thakur and the director, remain at large, the police have arrested one staff member, identified as Nikhil Vaishnav (41).

Teams have been dispatched to track down the fleeing management. The police are also looking into the role of the agencies that purchased the stolen gas without valid invoices.