A law student has been arrested in Lucknow for allegedly cheating a man of ₹10,000 by promising to transfer an inherited rifle licence.
Police identified the accused as Anoop Kumar, a third-year law student and resident of Bhaisamau in the Bakshi Ka Talab area. He allegedly posed as an arms clerk at the Hardoi Collectorate and persuaded the complainant to transfer money to a bank account linked to a Jan Seva Kendra operator. Police recovered ₹9,000 and a mobile phone allegedly used in the offence. He was arrested within 24 hours of the FIR being registered.
How did the accused allegedly deceive the complainant?
According to police, the complainant, Shanu alias Harishchandra, lives in Asigaon village under the Dehat Kotwali police station area of Hardoi district. His father, Virendra Singh, owned a licensed rifle. After his father’s death, Shanu applied to have the licence transferred into his name through inheritance.
Investigators allege that Kumar exploited the process by contacting Shanu over the phone on October 5. He reportedly introduced himself as an arms clerk at the Hardoi Collectorate and claimed he could arrange the transfer of the licence in exchange for ₹10,000.
Trusting the representation, Shanu followed the instructions provided by the caller. However, the licence was not transferred despite the payment, according to the complaint.
Where was the money transferred?
Police said Kumar provided Shanu with bank account details belonging to a Jan Seva Kendra operator in the Sarwan area of Lucknow. The complainant was instructed to deposit ₹10,000 into that account and complied with the request.
After receiving the money, the accused allegedly switched off his mobile phone. Suspecting that he had been cheated, Shanu approached the police, leading to the registration of a case at the Cyber Police Station.
Investigators recovered ₹9,000 in cash and the mobile phone allegedly used to contact the complainant. They are examining the transaction and attempting to establish what happened to the remaining amount.
The role of the Jan Seva Kendra operator whose account allegedly received the payment is also under investigation. The available information does not establish whether the account holder knew about or participated in the alleged fraud.
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How was the accused traced and arrested?
Police registered the FIR on Thursday and identified Kumar during the investigation. He was arrested within 24 hours of the case being registered.
According to investigators, Kumar allegedly visited various Jan Seva Kendras wearing a lawyer’s robe and obtained bank account details from operators. He reportedly claimed that he needed the accounts to receive payments from his clients.
Police suspect that accounts obtained through this method may have been used to collect money from other people targeted in similar schemes. However, authorities have not disclosed the number of potential victims or confirmed whether other transactions have been linked to the accused.
Investigators are examining the seized mobile phone, the bank transaction and other available evidence to determine whether Kumar was involved in additional offences.
Could the investigation uncover other cases?
The probe is focused on the alleged impersonation of a government employee, the use of another person’s bank account and the promise of transferring an inherited firearm licence in exchange for money.
The case also highlights the risks associated with individuals claiming to facilitate official procedures in return for payments. Applicants dealing with inherited firearm licences should verify the prescribed process with the relevant authorities rather than rely on unsolicited calls or promises of assistance.
Police are continuing to investigate the accused’s alleged methods and the possible use of other bank accounts. Any additional involvement by other individuals will need to be established through the inquiry.
The allegations against Kumar remain subject to the judicial process. The investigation will determine the full circumstances of the transaction and whether the accused can be linked to other suspected frauds.
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