Lucknow Impersonator Allegedly Defrauds Four Victims of Rs 48.60 Lakh in Elaborate Scheme
In a shocking case of impersonation and fraud, a Lucknow-based man allegedly posed as a special secretary in the Uttar Pradesh government to dupe four individuals, including a gym operator, of Rs 48.60 lakh. The elaborate scheme involved promises to construct a commercial hall on a prime plot in Barabanki, with the accused using official-looking vehicles and government premises to gain credibility.
Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme
According to the complaint filed by Utkarsh Verma, a resident of Awas Vikas Colony, he first encountered the accused, Surya Prakash Saini, at a wedding approximately two years ago. Saini introduced himself as a senior Provincial Civil Service (PCS) officer serving as special secretary in the Lucknow Secretariat. He reportedly arrived in a car bearing the inscription "Uttar Pradesh Shasan" along with a government emblem, which significantly contributed to establishing his credibility with the complainant.
Verma alleged that Saini claimed ownership of a 5,000 square foot plot located on Vikas Bhawan Road in Barabanki. He offered to construct a substantial 4,500 square foot commercial hall on this property. To finalize the deal, Saini reportedly took the victims—identified as Vikas Singh, Kirti Chaudhary, and Sindhu Singh—to the Secretariat in Lucknow, where discussions about the agreement occurred in the government canteen.
Financial Transactions and Broken Promises
The accused allegedly collected Rs 20 lakh through online transfers and an additional Rs 28.60 lakh in cash from the victims. He provided assurances that the property registry would be executed jointly in the names of all three investors. However, neither construction work commenced nor was the property registered as promised.
When the victims began pressing for progress updates and demanding accountability, Saini reportedly stopped answering their calls. He allegedly cited official meetings and government responsibilities as excuses for the delays, further exploiting his fabricated position of authority.
Police Investigation and Previous Criminal History
The case was officially registered at Kotwali police station following orders from the Chief Judicial Magistrate. Police records reveal that Saini has a history of similar fraudulent activities. In March 2025, his name surfaced in a separate cheating case in Lucknow, where he allegedly collected Rs 3.80 lakh from several individuals under the pretext of arranging government housing.
A complaint was lodged at Gautampalli police station regarding that earlier incident, and Saini was arrested in connection with that case. The fresh FIR filed in Barabanki has prompted authorities to investigate how the accused managed to use a vehicle marked with "Uttar Pradesh Shasan" and gain access to the Secretariat premises.
Ongoing Police Probe and Official Statements
Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya stated, "We are examining whether forged symbols were used or if he had internal assistance." The investigation is focusing on multiple aspects of the case, including the authenticity of the government vehicle markings, the possibility of forged documentation, and whether Saini received any assistance from individuals within government departments.
Police authorities are particularly concerned about how the accused was able to conduct meetings within government premises and present himself as a legitimate official over an extended period. The case highlights vulnerabilities that fraudsters can exploit when they successfully mimic government authority and access restricted areas.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full extent of Saini's alleged fraudulent activities and identify any potential accomplices who may have facilitated his impersonation scheme. Victims have provided detailed documentation of financial transactions and communications as evidence in the ongoing legal proceedings.
