Bareilly | November 16: Public anger erupted in Bareilly on Sunday after hundreds of investors accused Amar Jyoti Rohilkhand Nidhi Limited and its associated entities of orchestrating a multi-crore investment fraud. A large group of aggrieved investors first gathered outside the residence of a local agent tied to the company, and later marched to the City Kotwali, demanding immediate registration of an FIR and arrests in the case.
Directors Accused Of Fraud, Agent Also Missing
According to complainants, the company allegedly collected several crores of rupees from residents of Bareilly and Badaun by promising unusually high returns and luring them with misleading deposit schemes. Investors claimed that the company abruptly shut its operations and disappeared without returning their money.
Police sources said the firm’s directors — Suryakant Maurya and Shashikant Maurya, residents of Katra Chand Khan — have been missing for several days. Their nephew Anup Maurya, who resides in Bag Brigtaan near the Old Bus Stand, has also reportedly fled along with his family. Anup allegedly convinced hundreds of locals to invest, assuring them that the company was registered, legitimate and financially sound.
Investors Storm Agent’s House, Seek Answers
On Sunday morning, a sizeable crowd of investors reached Anup Maurya’s residence in an attempt to confront him. Many of them said they had invested their life savings, retirement funds, and even borrowed money to deposit with the company.
Krishna Maurya, one of the complainants, stated in his written complaint that Anup repeatedly reassured them that their capital was completely safe and that the company’s directors were running a “transparent” operation.
“Now, neither Anup nor the directors are traceable. His family members are threatening us instead of answering our questions,” Krishna said in the complaint submitted to the police.
Crowd Gathers At Police Station; FIR Demand Gains Momentum
Following the confrontation at the agent’s house, the group of investors proceeded to the City Kotwali, demanding that the police book Anup, his relatives and the company’s directors for criminal breach of trust and financial fraud. They further sought a probe into the assets of the accused so that investors’ money could be recovered.
City Kotwali in-charge Suresh Chandra Gautam received detailed written complaints from several investors and assured that the police had begun preliminary inquiries.
“These are serious allegations. We are verifying documents, collecting statements, and examining the company’s investment records. FIR will be registered under relevant sections after the initial verification,” Gautam told the crowd.
Sudden Closure Of Company Creates Panic Across Two Districts
The abrupt disappearance of Amar Jyoti Finance has triggered panic among investors in both Badaun and Bareilly. Early investigations suggest the company had been collecting money for months under the promise of high and guaranteed returns. Several depositors reported that maturity payments were continually delayed, and the office was eventually found locked.
Investors said that the directors’ phones have been switched off for several days. With no official communication from the company, victims connected with one another through social media channels and decided to file a collective complaint.
Police Suspect Major Financial Irregularities; EOW May Step In
Police officials believe the total amount collected could run into several crores. Preliminary assessment suggests the possibility that the company may have illegally operated under the façade of a registered Nidhi Company, raising concerns about severe regulatory violations.
Given the scale of the alleged fraud and the large number of victims, officers said the case may soon be referred to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for a deeper forensic audit and recovery-focused investigation.
