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Asian Games gold medallist Sarita Gayakwad has alleged that a businessman cheated her of ₹69.10 lakh in an investment deal.
How Did the Alleged Fraud Begin?
The 32-year-old athlete approached police in Gujarat’s Dang district, accusing businessman Nitin Bharti of failing to return money invested in his sand trading business despite promising regular profits. According to her complaint, Gayakwad was introduced to Bharti in 2024 through Jitubhai, the sarpanch of Gadhvi gram panchayat in Dang district.
During their meeting, Bharti allegedly presented his business as an established sand trading operation based in Vyara, Tapi district. He claimed that his vehicles regularly transported sand to Mumbai and that he had invested between ₹3 crore and ₹4 crore of his own money in the venture.
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What Returns Were Promised?
Bharti allegedly offered Gayakwad a monthly return of four per cent on her investment and assured her that the entire principal amount would be repaid after 12 months.
Relying on these assurances, the athlete began investing in the business. However, the promised monthly returns were allegedly never paid, and Bharti failed to refund the investment even after the repayment deadline expired. The total amount mentioned in her police complaint is ₹69,10,059.
What Happened When She Demanded Repayment?
Gayakwad alleged that she repeatedly contacted Bharti seeking repayment, but he continued to assure her that the outstanding amount would be settled. At one stage, Bharti allegedly sent her a photograph of a ₹30 lakh cheque through WhatsApp, claiming it was being issued towards the pending payment.
However, the athlete said she never received the cheque. She further alleged that Bharti subsequently stopped answering her calls and remained unreachable for approximately two months.
With her attempts to recover the money unsuccessful, Gayakwad lodged a complaint at Ahwa police station in Dang district.
What Action Have Police Taken?
Police registered an FIR against Bharti on October 29 under Sections 316(5) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), concerning criminal breach of trust and cheating.
Inspector K B Sankhla confirmed that the complaint involved ₹69.10 lakh and said efforts were underway to locate the accused, who remains absconding.
Bharti is a resident of Vyara town in Tapi district. Gayakwad, who belongs to Karadiamba village in Dang district, was a member of the Indian women’s 4×400-metre relay team that won gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
The allegations remain under police investigation, and the accused has not yet been apprehended.
