In a significant development in Kanpur, the local police have arrested a key accused in a multi-crore investment fraud that primarily targeted non-resident Indians and businessmen based in Dubai. The case, involving the controversial Blue Chip Company, has seen a flood of complaints after the arrest, revealing the scale of the alleged scam.
Dubai Businessmen File Official Complaint
On Saturday, two prominent Dubai-based individuals approached Kanpur's Police Commissioner, Raghubir Lal, with a written complaint. The complainants were identified as Mo Abrar, a cloth merchant, and Shahnawaz Usman, an executive officer with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). They alleged that they were cheated after investing substantial sums in the Blue Chip Company.
The investors claimed they were lured with promises of high monthly returns, ranging from 2.5 to 3 percent. According to their complaint, Abrar suffered a loss of Rs 5 crore, while Usman lost 4 lakh dirhams. Following their complaint at the Commissionerate, they were directed to the relevant local police station to formally register a First Information Report (FIR).
Earlier FIR and the Arrest of the Accused
This recent complaint follows an earlier FIR registered at the Kotwali police station on January 5. In that case, Abdul Karim, a resident of Parade's Nawab Ibrahim Ka Hata, reported being defrauded of Rs 42.29 lakh. Karim stated that the accused, Ravindranath Soni, had enticed his son with an investment opportunity in Dubai. Acting on this, Karim deposited the money into a bank account specified by Soni.
Initially, the Kotwali police struggled to locate Soni and even announced a reward of Rs 10,000 for information leading to his capture. Their efforts bore fruit four days ago when Soni was finally apprehended. His arrest acted as a catalyst, prompting a queue of new complainants to come forward at the Police Commissionerate, suggesting many more victims.
Expanding Investigation and Police Action
The net of complaints is widening beyond Indian nationals. Authorities have confirmed that foreign investors have also sent emailed complaints against Ravindranath Soni. These allegations are now under a coordinated investigation by multiple agencies, including the Crime Branch, the local police, and the LIU (Local Intelligence Unit).
Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal addressed the media, stating, "Several complaints have come against Blue Chip Company and Ravindranath Soni. FIRs will be registered in all cases. Commissionerate police is in the process of lodging FIRs." He outlined stringent future steps, adding, "A Red Corner Notice will be issued to ensure the accused and his wife cannot go anywhere outside." This international alert through Interpol would restrict their movement across borders.
The case highlights the risks associated with high-return investment schemes and underscores the proactive steps being taken by Kanpur police to address financial fraud affecting both domestic and international victims.
