Kanpur Police have registered an FIR against four people after a resident alleged that he was induced to invest more than ₹15 lakh in a share-trading arrangement on promises of guaranteed returns and later threatened with a revolver when he demanded his money back.
The complainant, Brijesh Kumar Mishra of RK Nagar, alleged that the accused persuaded him to invest by projecting the arrangement as a profitable and reliable share-trading opportunity.
Nazirabad Police have named Ravi Srivastava, Kuldeep Srivastava, Vedant Srivastava and Sanjay Dutt Sharma in the FIR and begun examining the transactions and documents involved.
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₹15 Lakh Transferred in First Major Payment
According to Mishra’s complaint, the accused explained the supposed benefits of share trading and promised substantial profits along with guaranteed returns.
They allegedly showed him information and documents related to their business activities to gain his confidence.
On April 5, 2024, Mishra transferred ₹15 lakh to a bank account belonging to Ravi Srivastava at the direction of the accused.
Police records cited by Amar Ujala say more money was subsequently deposited into other accounts on different dates.
On May 15, 2025, Mishra allegedly transferred another approximately ₹3.80 lakh into an account specified by the accused.
That means the two specifically disclosed payments alone amount to around ₹18.80 lakh, although police reporting has so far described the case more broadly as involving fraud of more than ₹15 lakh.
Guaranteed Returns Allegedly Used to Build Trust
Mishra alleged that the accused repeatedly assured him that his investment would generate profits and fixed returns.
Guaranteed returns are a major warning sign in stock-market investments because share prices fluctuate and legitimate market investments cannot normally promise a fixed profit irrespective of market conditions.
According to the complaint, Mishra continued making payments because he trusted the representations made about the business and expected the principal amount and profits to be returned.
However, when he later sought repayment, the accused allegedly began delaying the matter.
More Investment Allegedly Demanded Instead of Repayment
Mishra alleged that instead of returning his investment, the accused pressured him to put in additional money.
He eventually refused and insisted that his original funds and promised profits be repaid.
The dispute then allegedly escalated.
According to the FIR, Kuldeep Srivastava and Vedant Srivastava showed Mishra a revolver and threatened him when he continued demanding his money.
The threat allegation significantly changes the nature of the case from a straightforward investment dispute into one involving alleged criminal intimidation as well.
The allegations have not yet been proved in court.
Documents Provided to Victim Also Under Scanner
Mishra further alleged that several documents and pieces of information shown to him before the investment were later found to be false.
Police are now examining those materials to determine whether they were fabricated or misleading and whether they were deliberately used to persuade him to part with money.
The bank accounts into which the payments were transferred are also likely to be central to the investigation.
Tracing those accounts could help police determine whether the money remained with the named accused, was moved to other entities or was withdrawn.
FIR Against Four Named Accused
Nazirabad Police registered the FIR against Ravi Srivastava, Kuldeep Srivastava, Vedant Srivastava and Sanjay Dutt Sharma for alleged cheating and other offences.
Investigators are examining bank statements, transaction records and communications between Mishra and the accused.
They are also expected to verify whether the accused were actually engaged in legitimate share trading or investment activity and whether other people were approached with similar promises.
No arrest was reported in the initial account of the case.
Case Differs From Typical Fake Trading App Frauds
Unlike many recent cyber-investment scams, the available reporting does not say Mishra was added to a WhatsApp investment group or shown profits on a fake trading application.
The allegation here is more direct.
The accused allegedly personally convinced him to invest, supplied documents about their business and received money into specified bank accounts.
That distinction matters because the investigation will depend heavily on the actual commercial relationship between the parties and whether the promised investment activity ever took place.
Police Probe Where the Money Went
Investigators will now have to establish the complete money trail.
They will examine who controlled the recipient accounts, whether any genuine securities were purchased, how the funds were subsequently used and whether the accused had the business arrangements they allegedly represented to Mishra.
The complaint’s allegation that false documents were used could also become significant if police establish that the material was fabricated before the money was transferred.
Further action will depend on the evidence found during the investigation.
What this means for you
Do not rely on promises of “guaranteed” stock-market returns, particularly when money is being transferred directly into personal or unfamiliar bank accounts. Before investing, verify the intermediary through SEBI records and keep copies of agreements, payment records and every document used to solicit the investment.
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