Lucknow: A fresh development has emerged in the case of young drone scientist Rahul Singh, whose death at a five-star hotel in Lucknow has raised several questions. It has come to light that around a month before his death, an FIR was registered against Rahul Singh at Nagar police station in Basti district over allegations of cheating ₹62 lakh in the name of a drone project. The complainant alleged that Rahul introduced himself as a drone innovator, collected money for a major project, but neither completed the project nor returned the amount.
Chandrabhushan Mishra, a resident of Tinpediya area under Nagar police station jurisdiction in Basti, had lodged a complaint with police on June 14, 2026. According to the complaint, he met Rahul Singh in Delhi. Rahul was a resident of Siswabazar area under Kothibhar police station in Maharajganj district. Chandrabhushan alleged that Rahul presented himself as an expert in drone technology and claimed to be working on major innovation projects.
The complainant claimed that Rahul showed photographs and videos with influential personalities to establish his credibility and gain confidence. According to the allegations, Rahul later informed him that he was working on an important drone project that was supposed to be presented before the central government, but a critical component of the project had malfunctioned and immediate financial assistance was required to complete the work.
Chandrabhushan alleged that Rahul demanded ₹62 lakh for completing the drone project. He also claimed that Rahul required mobile phones and a laptop for research-related work. According to the complaint, he provided two mobile phones to Rahul and transferred ₹62 lakh to a bank account provided by him on September 17, 2025.
The complainant alleged that even after receiving the money, Rahul did not present any completed project. When he demanded the return of his money, Rahul allegedly continued delaying the matter. Chandrabhushan further alleged that when he objected, Rahul attempted to pressure him by sending photographs and videos showing his connections with influential people and also issued threats.
Meanwhile, after Rahul Singh’s death, his brother Rohit Singh has also levelled allegations against Chandrabhushan Mishra. Rohit claimed that a dispute was already ongoing between the two sides regarding the drone project and alleged that Chandrabhushan had been issuing threats. He said that a project deal worth around ₹85 lakh had been discussed, out of which ₹62 lakh had already been paid. According to Rohit, after Chandrabhushan withdrew from the project, pressure was being created to return the money.
Following Rahul Singh’s death, the old fraud case has once again come into focus. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death at the hotel as well as reviewing the earlier cheating case registered in Basti. Investigators are examining the allegations mentioned in the complaint, bank transactions, documents related to the drone project, and claims made by both sides.
Police officials said that a detailed verification of evidence and facts is necessary before reaching any conclusion. Statements and allegations made by the complainant as well as Rahul Singh’s family are being examined separately as part of the investigation.
The investigation will determine the authenticity of the allegations related to the drone project and reveal the actual circumstances behind the dispute. Authorities are also examining whether there were any financial irregularities, contractual disputes, or other factors connected with the case. Further developments are expected after the completion of the probe.
