In a sterling display of precision policing and administrative resolve, the Jashpur Police — under the direct command of SSP Shashimohan Singh — have brought the curtains down on a sprawling interstate racket, involving fraudulent transactions to the tune of Rs 150 crore. The accused duo, Ratanakar Upadhyay and Anita Upadhyay of Delhi, posed as senior government functionaries to engineer meticulously crafted corporate frauds under the pretext of the “National Rural Literacy Mission.” The investigation gained momentum following a complaint lodged in Pathalgaon by businessman Amit Agrawal, alleging deception to the tune of Rs 5.70 crore.

 

The FIR soon uncovered a trail of deceit extending across 15 states, with victims ranging from CSR-linked vendors to small enterprises. The syndicate’s blueprint was simple yet sinister — promise massive CSR-linked supply contracts, extract deposits and processing fees, and vanish. SSP Singh constituted a dedicated team led by SDOP Dhurvesh Kumar Jaiswal, which camped in Delhi, employing digital tracking and psychological lures. In a brilliantly devised decoy act, officers posed as Ministry officials, arranging a mock meeting at Hotel Taj, Chanakyapuri. Anita Upadhyay, convinced by the bait of a fictitious Rs 1,000 crore order, walked into the trap.

 

Her eventual contact with co-accused Ratanakar led police to his location after an intense surveillance chase through Delhi’s urban maze. The arrest wasn’t without drama. Ratanakar feigned kidnapping, whipped up panic, and physically attacked the SDOP. But true to the highest traditions of service, SDOP Jaiswal held his ground — literally and legally — until Delhi Police joined in. Further disclosures indicate ownership of 24 flats in Lucknow and luxury cars in Delhi, all pointing to the depth of the scam’s financial web. IG Surguja Range Deepak Jha has announced a cash reward for the team.