Lucknow Police Nab Fraudsters for Rs 10 Lakh Scam Targeting Startup Aspirant
Fraudulent Loan Scheme in Lucknow
Photo: PTI (Representational image)
Lucknow, Oct 13: The police in Lucknow have apprehended two individuals accused of swindling a 21-year-old man out of Rs 10 lakh by falsely promising to facilitate a loan for his small business via the Udyam Setu platform. The accused allegedly threatened the victim and his family with dire consequences.
The victim, identified as Aman Kumar, who resides in Ghantepe Gadhiya, lodged a complaint at the Vibhutikhand police station on October 12. He claimed that the suspects had deceitfully extracted Rs 10 lakh from him online under the guise of assisting him in launching a small enterprise and securing a loan.
Aman further reported that the fraudsters sought more money by threatening him with death and severe harm to him and his family.
In response to the complaint, an FIR (No. 0392/2026) was filed at the Vibhutikhand police station, citing Sections 318(4) and 308(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Sadiq Hasnain and Shoaib Zafar, both hailing from Patna, Bihar. The investigation is being led by Sub-Inspector Raghuvendra Pandey.
Under the guidance of senior police officials and the Vibhutikhand station house officer, a dedicated police team was assembled to locate and apprehend the suspects.
On October 12, acting on tips from the complainant and local sources, the police team successfully arrested both individuals near Blent House Cafe in Kisan Bazaar, within the Vibhutikhand jurisdiction.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the accused targeted individuals interested in launching small businesses through Instagram, enticing them with loans and financial support. They gained the victims' trust and collected funds through various deceptive methods.
Authorities noted that after receiving the initial payment, the suspects demanded further sums. When victims declined to comply, they were threatened with death, physical harm, and the potential filing of false charges against them and their families.
The investigation is ongoing to clarify the suspects' roles, identify any accomplices, and ascertain if they are connected to other similar fraud and extortion cases.