A case of cheating worth ₹92 lakh has been reported in a scam involving investment in a shooting project. It is alleged that some acquaintances along with a few Mumbai-based fraudsters first took ₹72 lakh in the name of film shooting investment and later blackmailed the businessman and forcibly took a car worth ₹20 lakh. The victim also claimed that he was threatened with being implicated in a false rape case when he demanded his money back. A fraud complaint has been registered at the PGI police station against five people, including a married couple.
Acquaintance Introduces Shooting Investment Scheme
The businessman, Heman Kumar Rai, a resident of the South City area of Lucknow, stated in his police complaint that Sanjay Singh used to handle work related to events at his firm. In 2023, Sanjay Singh introduced him to Syed Akhtar Hasan, also known as Panchhi Jalouni.
It is alleged that Akhtar Hasan assured the businessman of earning profits by investing in a project related to film song shooting and convinced him to join the plan. The accused reportedly promised good returns in exchange for investment in the shooting project.
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₹72 Lakh Collected in Multiple Installments
According to the victim, the fraudsters initially collected small amounts of money to build trust. Later, they received a total of ₹72 lakh from him in several installments. However, after the investment was made, the accused started delaying repayment when the businessman demanded his money back.
Blackmail Threats and Car Seizure
The complaint further states that the victim was threatened when he insisted on returning his money. It is alleged that the accused attempted to pressure him by threatening to file a false rape case against him. The businessman also alleged that the accused blackmailed him and forcibly took possession of a car worth ₹20 lakh.
Court-Ordered FIR Against Five Accused
Despite repeated requests for repayment, the victim did not receive any positive response. Following this, a complaint was lodged with PGI police. After preliminary inquiry failed to confirm the allegations, the victim approached the court. Based on the court’s order, a case of cheating and other relevant charges was registered against Sanjay Singh, Syed Akhtar Hasan alias Panchhi Jalouni, and three other accused.
Police have now started investigating the bank accounts of the accused, financial transactions, and their contact network. Officials are trying to determine whether the gang had previously cheated other people using a similar investment fraud model. Possible links between suspects in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh are also being examined.
Authorities have advised people to verify the legitimacy of any film or business investment project before putting in money and remain cautious of promises of unusually high returns. Officials emphasized that vigilance is the most effective way to stay protected from economic frauds.
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.
