Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh): A case of alleged fraud involving ₹13.22 lakh has come to light in Gorakhpur, where a person was allegedly lured with a promise of partnership in a hotel and restaurant business. The accused allegedly collected money in the name of investment and business expansion but neither provided any partnership share nor started the promised venture. When the victim demanded his money back, the accused allegedly abused him and threatened to create fake obscene videos using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and circulate them on social media. Following a court order, Shahpur Police registered a case and started an investigation.
Victim Allegedly Contacted Online and Offered Business Partnership
Vinay Kumar Pandey, a resident of Pipra Pandey area under Uruwa region, approached the court alleging that in 2024, Pune-based Akash Prakash Khatwani contacted him through an online platform. The accused allegedly introduced himself as being associated with the hospitality sector and informed him about starting a company named ‘Hospitality HIVB LLP’.
According to the complaint, the accused claimed that the company would operate hotels, motels, resorts and food restaurants. He allegedly proposed expanding the company’s business in the Shahpur area of Gorakhpur and promised Vinay Kumar a 20 percent profit share and ownership stake in the venture.
The victim alleged that he trusted the business proposal and agreed to invest money expecting financial benefits from the partnership.
₹13.22 Lakh Transferred Through Bank Accounts
The victim alleged that between May 2024 and August 2024, he transferred a total of ₹13.22 lakh through UPI transactions from his parents’ bank accounts. He also alleged that some additional amount was handed over in cash.
Vinay Kumar claimed that after receiving the money, the accused neither registered the company nor provided him any share in the hotel and restaurant business. When he asked for the return of his money, the accused allegedly started avoiding repayment.
Threat of Defamation Through AI-Generated Videos Alleged
The victim alleged that after demanding his money back, the accused contacted him through different mobile numbers and used abusive language. He further alleged that he was threatened with the creation of obscene videos using AI technology and uploading them on social media platforms to defame him.
The victim approached the police regarding the matter, but after allegedly failing to get action, he moved the court. Following the court’s direction, police registered an FIR and started investigating the allegations.
Case Registered Against Three Accused
On the court’s order, Shahpur Police registered a case against Akash Prakash Khatwani, Prakash Shrichand Khatwani and Vijyanti Khatwani, residents of Viman Nagar area in Pune, Maharashtra, under relevant sections related to fraud and other offences.
Police are examining the allegations and collecting evidence related to bank transactions, UPI payments, company documents, digital records and other material connected with the case.
Investigation Focuses on Digital Evidence and Financial Transactions
Investigators are trying to determine the actual nature of the alleged company, the use of money collected in the name of investment and whether any other persons were involved in the alleged fraud.
Documents linked to the accused, communication records and financial transactions are being examined. Further legal action will be taken based on evidence collected during the investigation.
The alleged fraud involving a false promise of partnership in a hotel and restaurant business highlights the risks associated with online business proposals and investment offers made without proper verification.
