Senior Bureaucrat Falls for Doubling Money Scheme
New Delhi: A senior official from the Health Ministry was allegedly cheated of ₹31 lakh by a self-proclaimed currency market investor, who promised to double the investment within a year.
Accused Identified as Praful Bhat
The accused, Praful Bhat—who maintains residences in both Nashik (Maharashtra) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh)—allegedly lured the complainant, Anand Chaturvedi, into a fraudulent high-return currency trading venture, according to IANS.
Complaint Lodged in Delhi
The case has been registered at Lodhi Colony Police Station under South District, Delhi. The complaint details financial manipulation, false promises, and even threats made by the accused.
Trust Misused, Family Dragged into Investment
In July 2023, Bhat approached Chaturvedi with the offer to invest ₹25 lakh and receive double within a year. Trusting him as an acquaintance, Chaturvedi, along with his wife and widowed mother, transferred funds from their personal accounts. The investment rose to ₹31 lakh after Bhat demanded an additional ₹6 lakh, citing a financial crunch and promising an extra ₹1 lakh in return.
Money Diverted, Threats Issued
According to the complaint, the funds were siphoned off to multiple accounts instead of being invested. Chaturvedi further alleged that Bhat threatened him and his family with dire consequences if repayment was pursued.
Possible Larger Scam Uncovered
The complaint also hints at another victim, suggesting Bhat may have defrauded several individuals with the help of accomplices. Officials said the case points to possible criminal misappropriation and breach of trust.
FIR Registered, Accused Absconding
An FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the BNS and BNSS. However, the accused has not yet been traced, and a thorough probe into his financial dealings is underway.
