Police in Varanasi have arrested a man accused of defrauding an investor of ₹7.829 million (₹78.29 lakh) on the pretext of producing and promoting a film. The accused, Jaswant (47), who had been absconding for nearly four years, was apprehended from the Oshiwara area of Andheri in Mumbai by the Sarnath Police. A non-bailable warrant had been issued against him by a local court. After his arrest, he was brought to Varanasi on transit remand, produced before the court, and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
According to the police, the case pertains to alleged cheating under the guise of film production and promotional activities. The complainant alleged that the accused persuaded him to invest a substantial amount by promising to produce a film and assured attractive returns. However, neither was the film produced nor was the investment refunded. After repeated attempts to recover the money failed, the matter was reported to the police.
The case dates back to April 26, 2022, when Surendra Kumar Yadav, a resident of Rustampur in the then Chaubepur police station area, now under the jurisdiction of Sarnath Police Station, lodged a First Information Report (FIR). In his complaint, he alleged that the accused had collected ₹7.829 million from the firm owned by his brother, Virendra Yadav, for the proposed film project. The complainant claimed that despite receiving the funds, the accused failed to complete the project or return the money.
Following the registration of the FIR, the police launched an investigation and began searching for the accused. During the probe, investigators learned that he had left Varanasi and was residing in Mumbai, frequently changing his location to evade arrest. Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, the police obtained a non-bailable warrant from the court and intensified efforts to trace him.
A police team from Sarnath travelled to Mumbai and, with assistance from the Oshiwara Police, conducted a raid at Patelwadi Prajapati Compound on Veera Desai Road in Andheri. Jaswant was arrested during the operation and later produced before the Andheri Railway Mobile Court, which granted a 48-hour transit remand. He was subsequently brought to Varanasi and produced before the competent court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
During interrogation, the accused reportedly told investigators that he had been associated with the film industry for several years and had worked in film production, filmmaking, and promotional activities. He further stated that he had come into contact with Shivbachan Yadav, through whom the proposed film project was planned. Police said these claims are being independently verified as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigators are also examining whether the accused collected money from other individuals using similar promises of film production or investment opportunities. If additional victims come forward, their complaints will be incorporated into the investigation. Police are scrutinising financial transactions, documentary evidence, and digital records to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud. Officials said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, and anyone found involved in the alleged conspiracy will face action in accordance with the law.
