Gorakhpur: Three individuals accused of defrauding entrepreneurs across India under the pretext of offering Fashion TV franchise ‘F Bar by Fashion TV’ have been arrested in Mumbai. The arrested accused include the main conspirator Kashif Khan alias Kashif Sardar Hashim Khan Malik, Operations Head Krishna Devi, and Finance Controller Naveen Ahuja alias Naveen Sir Ahuja. The accused are being brought to Gorakhpur on transit remand. Earlier, another accused, Vaibhav Mani Tripathi, had already been arrested, while a female employee remains at large.
Park Hospitality’s ₹1 Crore Fraud Complaint
According to reports, complainant Juhi Singh, who runs a firm named Park Hospitality, alleged that Vaibhav Tripathi and Karunesh Pratap Shahi, co-owners of the firm, promised them a franchise. Trusting the accused, Juhi and her husband Rakesh Singh transferred approximately one crore rupees to the accounts of the accused through cash and bank transactions.
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Fake Santa Cruz Office Lured Nationwide Victims
Officials said the money was collected in the name of franchise fees, infrastructure, and setup costs, but neither the actual franchise was provided nor any valid agreement honored. Upon contacting Fashion TV Private Limited, the company denied any contractual association with the complainants. Investigation revealed that the agreement contained forged signatures, which were later verified through handwriting analysis.
The accused allegedly lured entrepreneurs by promising Fashion TV-branded bars, lounges, cafes, and salons. Victims were called to the accused’s Santa Cruz, Mumbai office, where they were made to pay anywhere between twelve lakh fifty thousand rupees and one crore rupees. Fake documents were handed over, and victims were instructed to deposit amounts at Axis Bank, State Bank of India, and Federal Bank branches in Vile Parle.
Multi-City Franchise Fraud Network Exposed
According to SIT sources, Kashif Khan claimed to be the company’s Managing Director, while Krishna Devi and Naveen Ahuja were positioned as Operations Head and Finance Controller respectively. Questioning of the accused is expected to reveal the full extent of the criminal network.
Experts said that in such franchise scams, entrepreneurial vigilance and digital tracking are essential. Verification of fake documents and agreements requires technical audits and digital financial monitoring to prevent fraud.
Nine-State Investigation Accelerates
This action sends a clear message that such fraudsters are subject to legal action under existing laws, and authorities are now more vigilant and proactive in investigating such scams.
To curb franchise and investment fraud, law enforcement and investigative agencies have issued guidelines for strict monitoring and technical verification. This case not only involves Gorakhpur but also pertains to complaints registered in Lucknow, Mumbai, Patiala, Baroda, Udaipur, Gwalior, Panaji, and Jaipur, ensuring faster investigation of related cases across states.
The arrests and transit remand highlight that fake franchises and paper-based financial schemes are serious offenses. Authorities have warned that any leniency in such matters will not be tolerated in the future, and strict legal action will be enforced against perpetrators.
The incident underscores the importance of compliance in business dealings and franchise agreements. Experts emphasize that strong digital and technical audit mechanisms are crucial to prevent misuse of franchise schemes and protect investors from fraudulent practices.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
