A large-scale cyber fraud linked to goat farms in Ajmer has triggered nationwide concern after more than 3,160 complaints were registered across India. Victims were lured into paying advance amounts for goats that were never delivered, with losses exceeding ₹2.7 crore.
Scammers allegedly used advertisements and social media posts showing healthy goats of premium breeds, tricking buyers and livestock contractors into transferring money online. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in New Delhi has now handed over all complaints to the Ajmer police for investigation.
Authorities have already frozen several bank accounts associated with the fraudulent operations. However, despite the scale of the crime, the Rajasthan police have yet to register FIRs against unregistered goat farms operating in the region.
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Verification Drive Across Goat Farms
Hanuman Singh, Deputy SP of Ajmer Cyber Police, confirmed that letters were issued to all police stations in the district to verify the legitimacy of goat farms. The scam has exploited Ajmer’s long-standing reputation for its Bakra Mandi, which supplies goats across India and even to international markets like Dubai. Demand peaks during Bakra Eid, when buyers seek Ajmer goats known for their quality and grazing habits.
Ajmer SP Vandita Rana has directed the closure of farms found operating illegally. Some names of fraudulent farms were also shared by the Delhi cyber cell, prompting verification of ownership and records.
Victims Speak Out as Probe Widens
Goat farmers in Ajmer say the scam is damaging the district’s reputation. Akhtar Hussein of Beawar Road Bakra Mandi stated that the goats of Ajmer graze freely on hills and herbs, making them unique. Scammers are taking advantage of this demand to cheat buyers.
Sources revealed that many unregistered farms have sprung up along Sikar Road, Pushkar Road, and other outskirts of Ajmer, intensifying scrutiny. Officials warn that the 3,160 registered complaints may only be the tip of the iceberg, as many victims may not have reported their losses.
Police have appealed to citizens to avoid making advance online payments without verifying farm registrations and ownership records. Investigations are ongoing to trace the networks involved.