Gorakhpur: A father-daughter duo has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur for allegedly defrauding relatives and acquaintances of around ₹3.5 crore by promising to repay their bank loans and arrange loan waivers. Police said the accused, a railway officer and his daughter, were taken into custody after an investigation revealed that more than 15 people had allegedly fallen victim to the scheme. Investigators have also recovered nearly ₹3 crore during the probe, while further investigation is underway.
According to the police, the accused woman was associated with a private finance company and allegedly used her knowledge of banking and loan procedures to gain the confidence of relatives and acquaintances. She reportedly persuaded them to obtain personal loans in their own names and transfer the sanctioned amounts to her bank account, assuring them that she would pay all future EMIs. She also allegedly promised to get their existing vehicle loans and other liabilities waived.
During the investigation, police recovered a personal diary from the accused in which she had written down her financial goals. The diary reportedly mentioned a target of earning ₹100 crore between April and May 2026 and clearing all her personal debts within the same period. Investigators believe the diary could serve as a significant piece of evidence in establishing the planning and intent behind the alleged fraud.
The case came to light after one of the victims, who is also a relative of the accused, lodged a complaint with the police on July 3. According to the complaint, the accused collected his documents and arranged personal loans worth approximately ₹1.67 crore from six different banks. She allegedly assured him that she would repay the entire loan amount and that he would bear no financial liability. However, when loan repayments became due and the promised commitments were not honoured, the victim realised he had been cheated and approached the police.
The investigation further revealed that another relative was allegedly defrauded of nearly ₹91 lakh using a similar modus operandi. Preliminary findings indicate that, besides family members, several railway employees and other acquaintances also became victims of the scheme. Police estimate that 15 to 20 individuals may have been affected, and the number of victims could increase as the investigation progresses.
Investigators said the accused woman allegedly gathered information about financial products and loan procedures through the internet before executing the scheme. Police have alleged that her father actively assisted her in carrying out the fraud. Apart from the father-daughter duo, cases have also been registered against Vishal Yadav, Rajendra Kumar, Chandraprakash, Dinkar Mani Tripathi and Sanjay Singh alias Jaiprakash Singh under various provisions relating to cheating and criminal conspiracy. Their roles are also being investigated.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that promises of extraordinary financial gains, debt waivers or risk-free returns are common indicators of organised financial and cyber fraud. He advised people never to hand over personal banking documents, identity credentials or loan-related paperwork to anyone without independent verification and to carefully scrutinise any financial proposal before making a commitment.
Police said the investigation is continuing, with a detailed examination of the accused persons’ bank accounts, financial transactions and related documents. Authorities are working to determine the total amount involved, identify all victims and trace other individuals who may have participated in the alleged fraud. Further legal action will be taken if additional evidence or accused persons are identified during the course of the investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
