Fraud Case Rocks Sonbhadra: Retired Employee Loses ₹22 Lakh
Sonbhadra | December 1, 2025: A major financial fraud case has emerged in Sonbhadra, wherein a retired government employee has reportedly been defrauded of ₹22 lakh. Following the victim’s complaint, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an in-depth investigation into the matter. The accused allegedly took advantage of the victim’s interest in purchasing tractors and agricultural equipment, leading to a prolonged deception.
Profile of the Victim and Initial Arrangement
The victim, Krishna Kumar Jaiswal, resides in Lanka-Nagwa, Varanasi, and has been actively engaged in farming after his retirement. He recently built a residential home on his property and installed borewells to support his agricultural endeavors. To facilitate farming, he employed Dhirendra Kumar, a local individual from Gotibandh.
As per Jaiswal’s statement, Dhirendra promised to oversee all agricultural operations, ensuring that Jaiswal would receive adequate grain for the year along with ₹5 lakh in cash. This farming arrangement commenced in 2023 under Dhirendra’s supervision. During this period, the accused insisted on acquiring various farming equipment. Items such as a tractor, trolley, and rotavator were purchased in Jaiswal’s name, yet the circumstances surrounding these transactions raised serious concerns.
Dhirendra approached Aysher Agency with plans to procure first a second-hand and then a new tractor. The agency owner and an employee, Chandan, assured Jaiswal that the tractor would be legally registered in his name once full payment was made. However, upon visiting the agency, Jaiswal discovered that the tractor had been fraudulently registered under Dhirendra’s brother, Surendra, rather than him.
The Station House Officer (SHO) confirmed that an FIR has been filed based on Jaiswal’s report, and a comprehensive investigation is now underway. Although the identities of all accused individuals have yet to be released, authorities are scrutinizing bank transactions and purchase records relating to this case.
Method of Deception
According to police investigations, the accused maintained a façade of trust for almost two years, continually providing false assurances regarding both equipment procurement and payments to Jaiswal. This betrayal allowed them to divert a substantial amount of money for their personal gain, thereby exploiting the victim’s trust.
Experts in financial fraud highlight that schemes centered around agricultural machinery and land are becoming increasingly prevalent in rural areas. Unsuspecting investors are often drawn into long-term deceptions, with significant sums of money surprisingly vanishing without a trace.
Police Response and Preventive Measures
The Station House Officer commented:
“We have initiated a thorough investigation. All banking transactions and purchase records related to the accused are being examined. Legal measures will be enforced to ensure that the victim receives justice.”
Furthermore, local police have issued advice to villagers to remain vigilant when engaged in significant financial transactions. Community members are encouraged not to transfer large sums of money without thorough verification and to keep copies of all legal documents and receipts related to land or agricultural equipment purchases.
