Gang duping tourists busted; five arrested by Shimla police

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 10

Members of a gang who were allegedly cheating people in the name of a lucky draw scheme have been nabbed by the Shimla police, following a complaint by a tourist couple who were duped of Rs 1.4 lakh.

The gang allegedly lured people saying they would win attractive gifts and holiday packages based on a lucky draw coupon, on the initial payment of a hefty sum.

A case was registered on September 6 on the complaint of a woman, who alleged that while she was strolling on the Mall Road along with her husband on August 27, some people lured them to take part in a lucky draw coupon scheme.

They scratched the coupon, which offered a 10-year package in different states. As per the scheme, they could visit any one state once a year, following which they agreed to pay Rs 1.40 lakh as membership charges.

However, the couple understood that they were cheated after they tried to check the credentials of the firm. They lodged a complaint in the Sadar police station, Shimla.

A case under Section 420 and 120-B has been registered against five persons, including a woman. Nitesh Kumar Yadav (29) from Bihar, Rajnikant Pandey (25) from Uttar Pradesh, Arun Chaudhary (27) from New Delhi, Amrish Dube (27) and Nishtha Kumari (27), both from Jharkhand, have been arrested, said Shimla SP Monika Bhutunguru.

The police have recovered relevant documents and material pertaining to the lucky coupon scheme, including a laptop, a swipe machine and various forms. Investigation is underway to find out their involvement in other cases, she said.