Ghazipur: A suspected investment fraud involving approximately ₹80 crore has come to light in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Santosh Kumar Yadav, managing director of Anjali Group, has been accused of collecting money from investors by promising high returns of 18%. Yadav, a resident of Sunari village under the Chaubepur police station area of Varanasi, has been arrested by Ghazipur Police. He allegedly attracted investors by opening offices in Ghazipur, Jaunpur and other areas. The case has also drawn attention because of his alleged abduction in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and his subsequent recovery.
Yadav reportedly operated a non-governmental organisation in Ghazipur. According to allegations, he persuaded people to invest money by promising attractive profits and assuring them that their investments would double within a short period. The alleged fraud is estimated to involve around ₹80 crore across different districts of Uttar Pradesh. However, the exact amount involved, the number of victims and the full extent of the alleged investment network are yet to be established through investigation.
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Santosh Yadav Recovered After Alleged Abduction in Muzaffarpur
Yadav came into the spotlight after he was allegedly abducted in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. According to reports, he had travelled to the city with chartered accountant Ratan Jha, a resident of Patna, and was staying at a hotel. During his stay, some people allegedly abducted him near Bhikhanpura Mor.
The investigation reportedly indicated that individuals who had allegedly lost money in the suspected investment fraud were involved in the incident. The motive was said to be recovering their money from Yadav. A retired Army personnel apprehended in connection with the alleged abduction was also arrested. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the roles of those involved remain subject to investigation.
According to the City Superintendent of Police in Muzaffarpur, questioning Yadav provided information relating to the alleged fraud. Action was also taken against the retired Army personnel accused in the abduction case. The incident has added another dimension to the matter, with allegations of financial fraud being accompanied by accusations that some individuals took the law into their own hands in an attempt to recover their money.
Office Also Established in Chandwak, Jaunpur
Yadav has also been accused of opening an office for his organisation in Chandwak market in Jaunpur district. Reports suggest that a dispute involving women working at the office had earlier reached the Chandwak police station.
The organisation allegedly attracted investors by promising returns of 18%. People reportedly invested money in the hope of earning substantial profits, but complaints of suspected financial irregularities subsequently emerged. The exact investment terms, the amounts collected and the involvement of other individuals remain to be determined.
The case has also triggered discussion in Behda village, under the Thanagaddi police outpost area of the Karakat police station jurisdiction. According to local residents, Yadav is said to be associated with the village, where people frequently visited his house in four-wheelers.
Some villagers claimed that around a month ago, more than 50 people arrived at his house in several vehicles. Following news of his arrest, discussions about the alleged investment fraud have intensified in the area.
₹12 Lakh Fraud Alleged by Ghazipur Resident
Another complaint concerns Devendra Yadav, a resident of Ghazipur, who allegedly lost ₹12 lakh in the suspected investment fraud. Santosh Kumar Yadav is accused of obtaining the money from him in the name of investment.
Following Santosh’s recovery in Muzaffarpur, people who claimed to have been cheated reportedly submitted complaints to the Ghazipur Kotwali police. Police are examining the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the transactions.
The complaint has added to concerns about the possible scale of the alleged fraud and the number of people who may have invested money through the organisation.
Police Investigating the Alleged Investment Network
Following Santosh Yadav’s arrest, investigators are examining the suspected financial network and the possible involvement of other individuals. The investigation will seek to establish how many people invested money, the total amount collected across different districts and the methods allegedly used to persuade people to invest.
Documents linked to the offices in Ghazipur and Jaunpur, investment terms and complaints filed by alleged victims could help establish the actual scale of the case. Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and Yadav’s subsequent recovery in Muzaffarpur.
The alleged ₹80 crore fraud remains under investigation. The claims against Santosh Yadav and the extent of his alleged involvement will need to be established through evidence and the relevant legal proceedings.
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.
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