Lucknow. A builder has allegedly been defrauded of ₹2.20 crore on the promise of a 50% share and profits in a silver trading business. Rajendra Prasad Verma, a resident of Vijayant Khand in Gomti Nagar, has alleged that Sushil Pandey, Akshay Kumar Sinha and other employees associated with Murlayan Sales OPC Private Limited took crores of rupees from him in the name of investment but neither paid him any profit nor returned his principal amount. He has also alleged that he was assaulted when he demanded his money back.
According to the complainant, he had maintained business relations with the accused for nearly 10 years. Taking advantage of the longstanding association, the accused allegedly approached him in 2022 with a proposal to invest in the silver business. He was allegedly assured that his investment would provide him with a 50% share in the business as well as a share of the profits. Trusting the proposal, Verma began transferring money to the accused on different dates.
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According to the complaint, he invested a total of ₹2.20 crore between July 18, 2022, and October 21, 2022. The allegation is that after receiving the money, the accused neither provided the promised returns from the silver business nor refunded the principal amount. When Verma subsequently sought the return of his investment, the accused allegedly began delaying the matter.
Verma has further alleged that repeated demands for repayment eventually led to a confrontation. He claimed that the accused assaulted him during the dispute. Following the alleged incident, he approached the police and sought action against those involved, along with an investigation into the handling of his money.
After receiving the complaint, police conducted a preliminary inquiry and examined the allegations and documents available in the matter. Following the inquiry, an FIR was registered at Vibhutikhand police station under relevant sections against the accused. Further investigation has now begun.
A major focus of the investigation will be the financial trail of the ₹2.20 crore allegedly taken in the name of investment. Police are expected to examine bank accounts, payment records and details of financial transactions between the complainant and the accused. Investigators will also seek to determine whether the money was actually invested in the silver business or diverted for other purposes.
Police are also examining whether any written agreement, receipt, business document or other record exists regarding the alleged promise of a 50% share and profit participation. The accounts and business activities of the company may also come under scrutiny to determine how much money was collected in the name of investment and how those funds were subsequently used.
The decade-long business relationship between the complainant and the accused is another important aspect of the investigation. Police may examine earlier transactions between the parties to establish the nature of their business dealings and determine how the ₹2.20 crore investment arrangement was made in 2022.
Investigators are also likely to examine the allegations of assault made by the complainant. Statements of the parties involved and other available evidence will be considered to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation and determine whether the assault allegations are supported by evidence.
The case has brought the financial dealings between the builder and the company’s employees under scrutiny. The investigation will focus on the alleged investment proposal, movement of funds, business records and communications between the parties.
For now, Vibhutikhand police have registered the FIR and initiated an investigation. The allegations of cheating and assault against the accused will be established only on the basis of evidence collected during the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. Police are examining banking records, business documents and other available evidence before deciding the next course of action.
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.
