New Delhi/Indore: The Indore Crime Branch has arrested two key accused from Delhi and Noida in a fake wellness franchise fraud case in which a software engineer woman was allegedly cheated of ₹1.20 crore. Police said the accused lured the complainant with the promise of a profitable wellness centre franchise, while the role of an absconding doctor couple linked to the operation is also under investigation.
Software Engineer Allegedly Duped Through Franchise Promise
The case came to light after Indore-based software engineer Ritu Mehta lodged an FIR with the Crime Branch on May 26. She alleged that officials of a Delhi-based private company induced her to invest in a wellness centre franchise and collected money from her in multiple instalments.
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According to the complaint, the accused operated through a firm named Dr. Harors Aesthetic Private Limited and presented a lucrative business model to gain her confidence. The complainant alleged that despite repeated payments, no wellness centre was established and her money was not returned.
Directors Arrested From Delhi And Noida
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, Indore Police formed a special Crime Branch team and began a technical and financial investigation. During the probe, police received inputs that the accused were hiding in Delhi and Noida, following which coordinated raids were carried out.
Police arrested Debdulal Banerjee, 48, a resident of Supertech Cape Town in Sector 74, Noida, and Rahul Savel, 39, a resident of Nawada in Uttam Nagar, Delhi. Officials said both accused have been identified as directors of the company involved in the alleged fraud.
Preliminary interrogation has reportedly revealed important details about the functioning of the racket. Investigators suspect the accused used fake companies and attractive franchise investment offers to target victims.
Doctor Couple Under Scanner As Probe Widens
Investigators have also found indications that a doctor couple, Navneet and Vinita, may have played a key role in the operation. Both are currently absconding, and police teams are conducting raids to trace them.
Crime Branch officials said the gang allegedly approached victims through social media platforms and personal networks, then persuaded them to invest in high-return franchise models before collecting large sums of money.
Authorities are now examining how many other people may have been defrauded by the same network and the total amount involved. Police said the arrested accused will be produced before a court in Indore and taken on remand for detailed interrogation.
Investigators are reviewing banking transactions, company records and the wider network of associates. Police suspect the case may be part of a larger organised economic crime syndicate operating across multiple locations in Delhi-NCR.
