A formal case has been registered under Sections 318 (4) and 61(2) of the BNS at the Sector 36 police station in Chandigarh against a woman from Kajheri, accused of defrauding villagers of over ₹5 crore by falsely promising investment opportunities and committee installments.
Background of the Accused
The complaint was filed by Vikas Kumar, a resident of Kajheri, who alleges that Rajwanti, the accused, defrauded him and many others over a span of three to four years. Rajwanti had established a solid reputation in the community by successfully managing a community committee for over 25 years, with participation from nearly 500 villagers. Her perceived reliability was bolstered by her ownership of two houses in Kajheri and a factory in Dera Bassi, making her an attractive option for investors.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
Rajwanti reportedly convinced residents to invest in her factory by promising shares and future benefits. Vikas Kumar claims to have invested over ₹50 lakh, with several others also contributing significant sums, believing they were engaging in a secure and lucrative investment opportunity. The estimated total fraud amounts to more than ₹5 crore, and police are currently verifying the exact amounts claimed by the victims.
Community Protests and Reaction
On September 26, around 200 victims gathered for protests outside Rajwanti’s residence in Sector 52, demanding her arrest. The protesters later moved to the Sector 36 police station, where law enforcement registered a case against Rajwanti and her family for fraud and criminal conspiracy.
The Accused’s Reputation and Disappearance
Rajwanti was known for her practices of borrowing and lending money at a 5% interest rate and had a history of successfully repaying committee installments for several years. This track record contributed to her credibility among villagers. However, after collecting substantial funds through loans and committee contributions, she reportedly disappeared, leaving her investors without recourse.
Current Status of the Investigation
Police officials have stated that the fraud case involves a wide range of individuals from various backgrounds, with investment amounts varying from ₹50,000 to ₹1 crore. The investigation is ongoing at the Sector 36 police station, and authorities are working diligently to address the concerns of the affected villagers.
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of awareness and caution in investment opportunities, particularly in community-based schemes. As investigations continue, the police urge individuals to report any similar incidents to prevent further exploitation.
