Court Orders FIR in Rs 98 Lakh Heavy-Duty Drill Machine Fraud
In a significant development highlighting judicial intervention in police matters, the Gomtinagar Extension police in Lucknow have registered an FIR against two individuals accused of cheating a local businessman of a staggering Rs 98 lakh. The action came following direct court directives after the victim's initial complaints to the police failed to yield any concrete action.
The Elaborate Social Media Trap
The case revolves around Mohammad Salim Mansoori, the proprietor of AS Traders, who fell victim to an elaborate online scam that began in December 2023. According to the complaint, Mansoori connected with Chennai resident Mohammad Gulab through social media platforms. Gulab presented himself as having insider knowledge about business opportunities in the heavy machinery sector.
Gulab introduced Mansoori to a Kerala-based builder identified as Sujabu, who claimed to be the owner of Pan Asian Builders. Sujabu allegedly offered to sell his HDD Apollo-A drill machine, presenting what appeared to be a lucrative business proposition for the Lucknow-based trader.
The Deal That Turned Sour
After preliminary discussions, the parties finalized the deal on December 8, 2023, settling on a total transaction value of Rs 1.12 crore for the heavy-duty equipment. As per the agreed terms, Mansoori made an advance payment of Rs 98 lakh to Sujabu, expecting the machine to be delivered subsequently.
The situation took an alarming turn when Mansoori discovered that the drill machine he had paid for was already mortgaged with a financial services company against a substantial loan of Rs 62 lakh. To make matters worse, the monthly EMIs on this loan had remained unpaid for several months, making the entire transaction legally complicated and financially risky.
From Police Inaction to Court Intervention
When Mansoori confronted the accused and demanded his money back, they allegedly employed various delaying tactics to avoid returning the substantial amount. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the businessman approached the Gomtinagar police with a formal complaint, but according to his account, no significant action was taken initially.
This police inaction compelled Mansoori to seek judicial intervention. The court, after examining the case, directed the Gomtinagar Extension police to register a First Information Report, setting the legal process in motion against the alleged fraudsters.
Investigation Underway
Inspector Sudhir Kumar Awasthi, the investigating officer in the case, has confirmed that the matter is now under active investigation. The FIR has been filed against both Mohammad Gulab from Chennai and Sujabu from Kerala under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with cheating and criminal breach of trust.
This case highlights the growing trend of high-value business frauds orchestrated through social media platforms and serves as a cautionary tale for businessmen engaging in substantial transactions without thorough due diligence.
