Businessman Swindled of Rs 1.5 Crore in a Deceptive Scheme

According to sources, Suresh, who frequently travels to various locations across the country, has been known to capture photos with prominent ministers, officials, and celebrities. By brandishing these photos, he attempts to influence his potential targets, and Bharat also fell prey to his ploy due to these images.

A businessman hailing from Nagpur found himself defrauded of Rs 21.50 crores by a scammer from Gujarat who promised him the role of director at the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The accused masqueraded as a member and union office bearer of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and claimed to hold a position within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

This incident unfolded within the jurisdiction of the Kalamna police station. The victim of this swindle has been identified as Bharat Patel (39), a resident of Old Pardi Naka, Bhandara Road, while the alleged fraudster goes by the name Suresh Kumar Patel, residing in Dahegaon, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Bharat is the owner of a sawmill in Kalmana.

In June 2022, Bharat crossed paths with Suresh during an event involving BJP functionary Kapil Mishra in Amravati. Suresh introduced himself as the president of the Sangh's Hindu Jagran Mancha in Gandhinagar and a member of the CBDT, as well as a representative of the Quality Council of Indian Railways. Subsequently, numerous meetings took place between Bharat and Suresh, during which Suresh claimed to possess significant influence within the FCI, asserting that a directorial position was available and he was eager to secure it.

Suresh informed Bharat that substantial earnings awaited him in the role of FCI director, but to secure the position, he would need to provide an upfront payment of Rs 21.50 crore.

Between June 22, 2022, and October 13, 2022, Bharat disbursed Rs 1.50 crore to the accused. Some of these payments were executed via UPI, while others were made in cash and an additional amount of Rs 1.28 crores was handed over through Angadia traders. After some time had passed, Suresh contacted Bharat, disclosing that the director's position within the FCI was not available after all. Instead, he proposed a vacancy for an advisory committee member within the FCI in Maharashtra.

Suresh reassured Bharat of securing the director's post shortly and even sent an appointment letter to Bharat via WhatsApp on October 21, 2022. In November 2022, while in Hyderabad for business-related matters, Bharat encountered Deepak Sengani Patel. Deepak had come across photos of Bharat and Suresh together on a WhatsApp group, prompting him to inquire about their association. Deepak went on to reveal that Suresh had defrauded him in 2018 when they were dealing with an iPhone purchase. This revelation left Bharat astounded. Bharat scrutinized the appointment letter and discovered it was counterfeit.

Determined to recoup his funds, Bharat journeyed to Gujarat and demanded Suresh to return the money; however, Suresh refused to comply. Ultimately, Bharat took the matter to the Kalamna police, where he registered a formal complaint.

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