In a case highlighting the growing menace of education-linked cyber fraud, the jail superintendent of Unnao was allegedly cheated of ₹23 lakh after being lured with false assurances of securing his daughter’s admission through NEET counselling. Police have registered a criminal case against two named accused and senior functionaries linked to Justdial, and launched a probe into an organised racket suspected of duping several families across Uttar Pradesh.
According to the complaint, the fraud unfolded after the officer contacted a consultancy listed on Justdial while seeking guidance for medical admissions. The consultancy’s proprietor, identified as Abhinav Sharma, allegedly claimed he could guarantee a seat in a private medical college through counselling, and demanded large upfront payments.
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Money transferred, contact cut off
Police said the complainant was persuaded to hand over two bank drafts of ₹10 lakh each on July 19, 2025, purportedly in the name of a medical college in Barabanki. Subsequently, on August 24, 2025, Sharma allegedly asked for an additional ₹3 lakh, which was transferred via RTGS to a private bank account in Lucknow.
Soon after the payments, the accused became unreachable, with phone calls going unanswered. When the complainant visited the consultancy’s stated office in Gomti Nagar, he found it shut, raising suspicions of fraud.
Organised racket under scanner
Further inquiries revealed that Abhinav Sharma, Santosh Kumar and others were allegedly part of a well-organised gang that had carried out similar scams earlier. Police sources said six to seven victims had previously complained of being cheated of ₹3–4 crore in total under the pretext of securing medical admissions.
Those cases were registered at the Lucknow cyber police station, which arrested two accused around a month and a half ago and sent them to jail. The Unnao case has now been linked to the same network.
Investigators also allege that the accused opened fake bank accounts and sham offices using the name of the medical institute to add credibility to their claims. After the ₹23 lakh transaction, the accused allegedly removed their listings from Justdial, making it harder for victims to trace them.
Case registered; role of platform under probe
On the basis of the jail superintendent’s written complaint, police have registered a case under cheating and criminal conspiracy provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR names Abhinav Sharma, Santosh Kumar, and also includes the operator and manager associated with Justdial, citing alleged lapses in due diligence.
A senior police officer said investigators are examining call records, financial trails and digital footprints, and will assess whether the listing platform failed to verify the credentials of the consultancy or ignored prior complaints.
Warning for parents
Police officials and cybercrime experts warned parents to remain cautious of “guaranteed admission” claims, particularly those demanding large upfront payments. They advised verifying credentials directly with counselling authorities and medical colleges, avoiding intermediaries who promise assured seats, and reporting suspicious solicitations immediately.
The investigation is ongoing, and police said more arrests are likely as financial and digital evidence is analysed. The case adds to a growing list of education-related frauds, underscoring the need for stricter verification of online listings and greater public awareness ahead of counselling seasons.
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.
