Police have arrested two cyber fraudsters for duping people of nearly ₹2.10 crore by promising massive returns through commodity trading. The accused have been identified as Chunga Khan and Salman Rehmani. Authorities said both lured low-income and senior citizens into their trap, misusing their Aadhaar, PAN cards, and bank accounts to siphon off money.
Senior Citizen Duped via Facebook Ad and WhatsApp Group
The scam came to light when senior citizen Ashish Tiwari, a resident of Gomtinagar, Vastu Khand, was approached online. Police said Tiwari saw an advertisement for commodity trading on Facebook in December 2025. A woman contacted him and promised tenfold returns on his investment. He was then added to a WhatsApp group named “H-10 Friendship Livesalang.” Between December 26, through nine separate transactions, ₹2,10,39,967 was siphoned from Tiwari’s accounts.
Similarly, 65-year-old Rajiv Kumar Bhatnagar, residing in Eldico Sector-3, Rai Bareli Road, was defrauded of ₹70,03,618. The scammers claimed that two insurance policies held in his and his wife Shalini Bhatnagar’s names had matured. Acting on this claim, Bhatnagar made payments, which were grabbed by the fraudsters.
Police Action: FIR, Arrests, and Evidence Seized
Police stated that the accused also used a fake firm to commit ₹1.75 crore in GST fraud. The firm was used to lure clients under the guise of investment and trading schemes. Investigations revealed that the scammers were using victims’ Aadhaar and PAN details to complete online registrations and bank transactions fraudulently.
Eastern Deputy Commissioner of Police Shashank Singh said that considering the severity of the case, an FIR was immediately registered at Gajipur police station and the accused were apprehended. Inspector Rajesh Maurya confirmed that computers, mobile phones, and fake documents were seized from the accused for further examination by the cyber cell.
Broader Probe and Warnings for Investors
Investigators noted that this case is not limited to individual fraud. The fake firm and the WhatsApp group were part of a broader plan to deceive multiple people. Police have warned that strict action under cyber and financial laws will be taken against such fraudsters.
Authorities said the victims’ bank accounts and transactions are being analyzed to recover the stolen funds and uncover any other potential scams. Cybercrime experts highlighted that social media and online investment platforms are increasingly used to target senior citizens and ordinary citizens, emphasizing the need for vigilance and regular monitoring of bank transactions.
Police added that other individuals involved in setting up the fake firm are also being identified and will face legal action. The accused have been produced in court, and proceedings are underway.
This action sends a clear message that law enforcement will act decisively against cyber fraud and fake investment firms, and citizens must remain cautious. Officials advised people to exercise care in online investments and commodity trading and to immediately report any suspicious offers to police or financial advisors.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
