Balodabazar/Janjgir-Champa: In a sensational case of financial fraud, police in Balodabazar have arrested Ramnarayan Sahu, a government school teacher, and his brother Hemant Sahu, for orchestrating a multi-crore scam involving false promises of doubling money through stock market investments. The scam, which originated in the village of Mahkam in Sonakhan Chowki region, has reportedly affected hundreds of people across multiple districts, including a significant number from Janjgir-Champa.
Ramnarayan, along with his brother, lured villagers,
prominent businessmen, and social workers by claiming they could double their
investments within two years through the stock market. Police say over 90% of
the residents of Mahkam village, as well as several influential people from
surrounding areas, fell victim to this elaborate scheme.
The case came to light when Gopal Prasad Dewangan, a
resident of Katgi, lodged a formal complaint. He stated that he met Ramnarayan
in August during a railing installation job. Ramnarayan convinced him to invest
in the stock market with the promise of doubling his money. Over time, Gopal
transferred a total of ₹19.43 lakh through cash, PhonePe, and other digital
platforms.
The same modus operandi was used to defraud Gopal’s
friends—Rajesh Kumar Dewangan and Anil Kumar Prajapati—bringing the total known
fraud amount in this case to ₹40.82 lakh.
Additionally, another victim, Rajkumar Yadu, had earlier
reported being duped of ₹82 lakh by the same accused in 2024. Cases have been
registered under multiple sections including 420 and 34 of the IPC and sections
318(4) and 3(5) of the BNS.
Further investigations have revealed that this scam was not
limited to one village or district. Victims from Kasdol, Laván, Gidhauri,
Shivrinarayan, Mahasamund, and Raigarh have also come forward with similar
complaints. The fraud is now being regarded as one of Chhattisgarh's largest,
possibly involving over ₹1500 crore.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Additional
Superintendent of Police Kaushal Kishore Wasnik and DSP Tulsi Lekham (Cyber
Cell), has been formed to uncover the extent of the network and seize the
assets of the accused. The team includes senior officers from Kasdol, Palari,
Gidhauri, Lavan, and cyber departments.
As the investigation deepens, startling links to Janjgir-Champa
district have emerged. Several local agents from the area are suspected to
have played active roles in the scam. These agents reportedly built trust using
photos with celebrities and politicians, convincing people to invest their
savings with the promise of quick returns. Now, many of these investors are
preparing to file formal complaints backed by evidence.
Sources indicate growing panic among the agents and
associates of the main accused, as the crackdown intensifies. Police believe a
larger, organized network is behind this fraud, and efforts are underway to
trace the kingpins and recover the stolen funds.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of
high-return investment schemes and the consequences of financial greed. The
spotlight is now on law enforcement: Will they be able to reach the mastermind
and ensure justice for the hundreds who were duped?