The investigation into the high-profile ‘Mahathug’ Ravindranath Soni case, one of the country’s most talked-about cyber and investment frauds, is set to be formally taken over by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). ED officials have sought detailed information from the Uttar Pradesh Police, signalling a widening of the probe. As the investigation deepens, the involvement of certain well-known personalities named in the case has put them under increased scrutiny, including actor Sonu Sood and motivational speaker Suraj Jumani.
Police and Special Investigation Team (SIT) sources said that with the ED’s entry, the scope of the case will expand to include money laundering, cross-border transactions, and international investment fraud.
‘Mahathug’ Arrested in Kanpur, Network Spread Across 10 Countries
The case drew nationwide attention after the arrest of Ravindranath Soni from Kanpur. According to police, the accused allegedly defrauded nearly 1,000 people across more than 10 countries. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fraud network stretched from Delhi to Dubai, with crores of rupees siphoned off in the name of high-return investments.
The SIT has also begun examining the role of actors, sportspersons, and influential figures whose photographs or promotional material were allegedly used by the accused to gain credibility.
Notices to Sonu Sood and The Great Khali; Statements Awaited
Sources said actor Sonu Sood has not yet recorded his statement before the SIT, while wrestler The Great Khali has not responded to the notice issued to him. Police officials said the process of sending formal notices is underway to all prominent individuals whose names or images have surfaced in connection with the accused.
Dubai-Based Victims Allege Multi-Crore Fraud
The case took a significant turn after two victims of Indian origin arrived from Dubai to Kanpur and submitted written complaints at the local police station.
- Sheikh Shabbir, a resident of Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh, alleged he was cheated of ₹2.50 crore.
- Srikant Raya Polu from Telangana claimed he lost ₹4 crore.
According to the complainants, they were lured with promises of 36 percent annual returns on investments in a so-called blue-chip company. While interest payments were made for a few months to build trust, the company later shut down abruptly, leaving investors stranded.
Electronic Evidence Sent for Forensic Analysis
Police have sent 10 mobile phones, laptops, hard disks, and CPUs recovered from Ravindranath Soni’s Dehradun residence for forensic examination. Officials said the devices could yield crucial leads related to digital transactions, foreign contacts, and money trails.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), statements are being recorded after issuing notices to all accused and associates named in the case. With the ED set to take charge, action related to attachment of properties, seizure of assets, and scrutiny of overseas transactions is expected to gather pace.
Officials believe the case goes far beyond an individual conman, exposing a larger pattern involving celebrity endorsements, investment诱诱s, and the misuse of international networks—layers that central agencies are now expected to unravel in detail.
