Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A suspected organized real estate fraud racket that allegedly targeted police personnel by promising plots and houses has come to light in Varanasi. The case surfaced after two police personnel filed complaints of being cheated of ₹20.50 lakh within just 48 hours in the Lalpur-Pandeypur police station area. Preliminary investigations indicate that more than 10 police personnel have allegedly been defrauded of over ₹1 crore during the past 24 months, while investigators suspect the total fraud could range between ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore.
Police have registered cases against real estate businessmen and brothers Gaurav Gupta and Deepak Gupta, their mother Kasturi Devi, a resident of Ashok Vihar Colony, and several others. According to the allegations, the accused lured people with promises of providing residential plots and houses at attractive prices, collected substantial advance payments, but neither executed the property registrations nor refunded the money.
According to an FIR lodged at Lalpur-Pandeypur police station, Constable Vishal Kumar, posted at the Tourist Police Station, alleged that he paid ₹13 lakh in 2024 for a house. However, despite repeated assurances, the property was never registered in his name. When he demanded a refund, the accused allegedly threatened him with dire consequences, prompting him to approach the police.
In another complaint, Constable Bhavan Kumar, a native of Gonda and posted at the Cantt Police Station, alleged that he was cheated of ₹7.50 lakh after contacting Gaurav Gupta in 2024 to purchase land. The registration of these two cases prompted investigators to widen the probe, leading to the discovery of several more alleged victims.
Police said similar allegations have already been registered at Kotwali Police Station, where ward boy Sushil Kumar and his brother accused the suspects of cheating them of ₹16.50 lakh. In another case, Urmila Devi alleged that Gaurav Gupta and six others defrauded her of ₹15 lakh on the pretext of arranging land.
Investigators have also found that the alleged racket did not target only police personnel. Court employees, including clerks and assistants, are also believed to have fallen victim to the scheme. Police further stated that Constable Vinay Yadav was allegedly cheated of ₹10 lakh. Officials believe that the number of victims and the total financial loss may increase as the investigation progresses.
According to the preliminary probe, the accused allegedly operated the scheme over an extended period by gaining the trust of prospective buyers with promises of providing land or residential properties. After collecting advance payments, they reportedly continued to delay the transactions through various excuses before ultimately failing to transfer ownership or return the money.
Police are now examining the accused persons’ bank accounts, financial transactions, property records and other documents to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud. Investigators have also appealed to other potential victims to come forward and file complaints. Authorities believe that fresh evidence may reveal an even larger financial scam than currently estimated.
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.
