A couple in Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district has been exposed for allegedly running a fraud racket by posing as a doctor and a pharmaceutical trader, cheating villagers and unemployed youths of nearly ₹6.5 lakh along with gold and silver jewellery. Police have arrested the main accused from Uttar Pradesh, while investigations are ongoing into the role of his wife, who is currently absconding.
The case surfaced in the Brijpur police station area of Pahadikheda village. According to police, the accused Deepak Kumar Raikwar had been living in a rented house with his wife Maya alias Rachna for several months. During this period, he introduced himself to locals as a private doctor and a major wholesaler in the pharmaceutical business. His confident behaviour and convincing communication style helped him gain the trust of villagers.
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The Medical Store Partnership Bait
Investigators said the accused initially targeted the landlord and nearby residents, gradually building credibility. He then proposed a partnership in a medical store and drug supply business, promising high returns. On this pretext, he allegedly collected around ₹3.60 lakh from the landlord alone, citing statutory licensing and initial drug stock procurement overheads.
Later, he expanded the fraud by targeting unemployed youths with promises of jobs in the medical and pharmaceutical sector. Through these false assurances, he reportedly collected another ₹2 lakh from multiple individuals. Police said the couple also cheated several women, including Manisha Yadav and Reena Raikwar, by taking their gold and silver jewellery under various pretexts.
Midnight Escape and Inter-State Apprehension
After collecting cash and valuables worth nearly ₹6.5 lakh, the couple allegedly fled the rented accommodation overnight. The fraud came to light when victims compared notes and realized they had been duped in a coordinated scheme. A formal complaint was then filed at the Brijpur police station, prompting an immediate investigation.
Acting on technical and intelligence inputs, police traced and arrested Deepak Kumar Raikwar from Uttar Pradesh. He was brought into custody and produced before a court, after which he was taken on remand for further interrogation. During the investigation, police recovered gold and silver ornaments worth approximately ₹2.20 lakh along with some pharmaceutical items from his possession.
A Coordinated System of Exploitation
Officials said the fraud appeared to be carefully planned, involving systematic steps such as gaining trust, offering fake business partnerships, and promising employment opportunities before eventually disappearing with the money and valuables. Authorities are now examining whether the accused couple carried out similar frauds in other locations as well.
Locals stated that the accused presented himself with great confidence and frequently spoke about the medical and pharmaceutical trade, which made his claims appear legitimate. This helped him build a strong facade that convinced several residents to invest money or hand over valuables.
Ongoing Search for the Accomplice
Police officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to locate the absconding wife. Authorities believe further interrogation and financial tracing may help uncover a wider network involved in similar fraudulent activities.
Officials added that digital and financial records are being analyzed to trace the flow of money and identify additional victims. The case is being treated as a coordinated financial fraud involving impersonation and deception.
