Lucknow | A shocking case of fraud has emerged in the Talkatara police station area, where hospital owner Vidyawati was cheated of ₹20 lakh under the pretext of buying gold coins. Vidyawati initially filed the complaint with the GRP at Kalyanpur Railway Station in Mumbai, and the case was later transferred to Talkatara Police Station in Lucknow.
Vidyawati, a resident of Talkatara, manages Bajrang Hospital in Saripura, Alamnagar. She told authorities that in June 2025, she went to Mumbai with her acquaintance Naushad for treatment of uterine cancer. On July 20, 2025, she received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as Deepak and claimed that gold coins were found in the forests of Nashik.
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Deepak initially demanded ₹40 lakh for the coins, but the deal was later settled at ₹20 lakh. Vidyawati agreed to purchase the coins to cover her treatment expenses. The accused, Deepak, called her to Mumbai on January 27 and asked her to collect the coins at Kalyanpur Railway Station. On January 29, Vidyawati and Naushad boarded the train to return home.
At Kalyanpur Station, Deepak along with his accomplice Raju boarded the same train. Both accused fed Vidyawati and her acquaintance a sweet dish (halwa) to make them unconscious and fled with ₹20 lakh. Vidyawati realized the fraud only after regaining consciousness.
Police have confirmed that the investigation has been initiated. Lucknow police stated that as soon as evidence of the fraud is found, immediate action will be taken. Officials noted that fraudsters often exploit people’s trust to cause personal financial loss.
The incident caused not only financial damage but also impacted the victim’s mental and emotional well-being. Experts say that such fraudsters often lure victims with promises of quick gains and manipulate them to trap them.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of caution in such cases. The police have urged the public not to trust any suspicious individual or offer immediately, especially in transactions conducted online or via phone calls.
This incident also raises questions about public safety and vigilance in the city. Vidyawati’s alertness and prompt filing of the complaint prevented further complications.
Based on evidence, police are making all efforts to identify and apprehend the accused. The case also highlights the need for public awareness to prevent fraud in investments and transactions.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
