In a significant breakthrough, the Mandsaur police have arrested two pivotal members of a criminal gang alleged to have swindled investors of over Rs 20 crore through a deceptive investment scheme. The operation, which ran under the banner of a company named Krolic, collapsed after the perpetrators vanished with substantial public deposits.
The Arrest and Technical Evasion
Mandsaur Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar Meena confirmed that the accused were tracked down and apprehended from Faridabad in Haryana. They had successfully dodged law enforcement for nearly one year by employing sophisticated technical methods to mask their whereabouts. The alleged mastermind, identified as Ajay Rathore, a resident of Malhargarh, had completed an ethical hacking course. He leveraged this expertise to avoid detection and arrest.
His accomplice was named as Aditya Paliwal from Pipliamandi. Together, they orchestrated a scheme that lured residents into investing in Krolic through a chain-based system. They promised enticing returns of up to 15 percent. To build trust, the gang initially disbursed small payouts to some investors. This tactic boosted public confidence and encouraged more people to deposit larger sums of money. Once a significant amount was accumulated, the gang abruptly shut down operations and disappeared.
The Investigation and Seizures
The case was officially registered at the YD Nagar police station under relevant sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and provisions of the Protection of Interests of Depositors Act. A special police team was formed to trace the fugitives, and a reward of Rs 5000 each was announced on the accused by the SP.
Investigators painstakingly analysed digital footprints and technical data, which eventually led them to Faridabad. The accused had used a combination of proxy networks, virtual locations, and SIM-less devices to conceal their trail. Despite these hurdles, the police team persisted with layered technical tracking and rigorous field surveillance, culminating in the successful arrest.
Upon arrest, the police seized crucial evidence, including a laptop, an iPad, 3 mobile phones, and a four-wheeler valued at approximately Rs 20 lakh.
Ongoing Probe and Public Warning
SP Vinod Kumar Meena stated that interrogation of the arrested individuals is currently underway. The primary goals are to trace the remaining siphoned funds, which may include movable and immovable assets, and to identify other possible beneficiaries or participants in the extensive fraud.
The Mandsaur police have issued a stern warning to the public, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution. They advised people not to fall prey to lucrative investment offers without conducting proper and thorough verification. Officials emphasized that fraudsters often exploit human greed and a general lack of financial awareness to siphon off people's hard-earned lifetime savings. The police appeal to residents to remain alert, cautious, and financially literate to avoid becoming victims of such sophisticated scams.
