Varanasi Police Examine Three Fraud Complaints Totalling ₹29.83 Lakh

Varanasi police are investigating three unrelated fraud complaints involving a combined reported loss of ₹29.83 lakh: an alleged recruitment scheme using forged Banaras Hindu University appointment letters, unauthorised UPI transfers from an Army officer’s accounts and an investment complaint in Nadesar. One suspect has been arrested in the recruitment case, while the other inquiries continue.

The largest complaint was filed by Anil Kumar of Dangri Kala. Police allege that Dinesh Kumar posed as a BHU employee and promised jobs to Ajit and his wife, who are related to the complainant. The family allegedly paid ₹20.50 lakh before receiving appointment letters carrying what investigators say was a forged signature of BHU Deputy Registrar Shiv Kumar Tripathi.

According to the complaint, ₹8 lakh was later returned. Cheques allegedly bearing forged signatures were offered over the remaining sum, and the family reported threats when it continued to seek repayment. Chitaipur police arrested Dinesh near Karaundi crossing. The forged-document and intimidation allegations remain to be tested through investigation and court proceedings.

The second case concerns Army officer Ramesh Kumar Singh, who reported unauthorised UPI activity while he was on leave. Investigators recorded debits of ₹5,27,434 from a Bank of Baroda account and ₹64,985 from an IDFC First Bank account on August 1. Those figures total ₹5,92,419, although the original complaint reportedly cited ₹5.33 lakh. Police are reconciling the difference through bank records and tracing beneficiary accounts.

In the third complaint, Neelima Singh accused Kushagra Srivastava, Shubhangi Srivastava and associates of operating an investment scheme from Nadesar. Poonita of Mahmoorganj allegedly invested ₹4 lakh saved for her daughter’s wedding, received interest briefly and then stopped receiving either returns or the principal. The complaint further alleges threats when repayment was demanded on May 25. The named individuals’ roles have not been adjudicated.

The cases differ, but each shows why documents and transaction trails matter. Job seekers should verify offers directly through an institution’s official recruitment page and independently obtained contact number. A letterhead, signature or employee claim is not confirmation. For unauthorised transfers, the affected bank and national cybercrime helpline 1930 should be contacted immediately; early reporting can improve the chance of freezing funds.

ADCP Cyber Nripendra Kumar advised victims to call 1930, lodge a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and preserve transaction evidence. People facing threats should report those separately rather than treating intimidation as merely part of a money dispute. Police must now establish the individual facts, trace funds and determine whether other victims are connected. Until then, the complaints remain allegations, not findings of guilt.