Police have arrested a former hotel manager for allegedly cheating nine people of nearly ₹2 crore by luring them with promises of attaching vehicles to travel companies and arranging cars at below-market prices. The accused, Himanshu Gupta, was held by Lanka police, who also recovered seven vehicles and returned them to their rightful owners.
According to the ACP Bhelupur, the accused is a native of Safdarjung Enclave in southwest Delhi and had been living in Rohit Nagar Colony, Naria, in Varanasi. He worked as manager at a hotel on Assi Road and allegedly used his position and contacts to gain the trust of visitors and acquaintances before pitching investment schemes related to the travel business.
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Promise of fixed monthly income used as bait
Investigators said Gupta convinced victims to invest money by claiming he would attach their vehicles to travel operators and provide assured monthly returns. In several cases, he took possession of the vehicles, later sold them without the owners’ consent, and kept the proceeds.
He also collected advance payments from some people on the pretext of arranging low-cost vehicles from Kanpur, but neither delivered the cars nor refunded the money. Through these methods, police estimate he defrauded victims of about ₹2 crore.
Multiple cases already registered
Police records show that the accused has a history of similar offences, with three cases registered at Chakeri police station in Kanpur and nine cases at Lanka police station in Varanasi. He had been evading arrest for some time before being apprehended on Thursday.
Asset seizure and Gangster Act proceedings
Officials said action will be initiated against him under the Gangster Act, and steps are being taken to identify and attach properties acquired from the fraud proceeds. Investigators are examining bank transactions and assets to determine how the cheated funds were used and whether more people were involved.
Partial relief to victims, probe continues
The recovery of seven vehicles has provided some relief to affected owners, but several victims are still awaiting recovery of their money. Police are compiling a list of additional complainants and verifying financial trails to assess the full scale of the fraud.
Advisory to the public
Police have urged people to verify documents, ownership papers, written agreements and payment receipts before investing in vehicle fleet schemes or purchasing cars through intermediaries. They warned against handing over vehicles or large sums without legal contracts and proper background checks.
The case highlights how fraudsters exploit personal trust and informal investment arrangements in the transport sector, offering unrealistic returns to attract victims and then misappropriating vehicles and funds. Authorities said further arrests and financial recoveries are likely as the investigation progresses.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
