Phagwara: Couple booked for Rs 78.5L fraud in fake petrol pump scam

In a case of financial fraud, Phagwara police have registered a criminal case against a local couple for allegedly duping a resident of Rs 78.5 lakh under the false pretext of securing a petrol pump dealership.

The complaint was lodged by Amrik Singh, a resident of Urban Estate, Phagwara, who accused Balbir Ram and his wife Seema Rani of cheating him by promising to arrange a petrol pump allotment. The accused, originally from Thalla village near Phillaur, are currently residing in Regency Town, Phagwara.

Station House Officer (City) Phagwara, Usha Rani, confirmed the development, stating that the complainant had alleged the couple assured him of having strong connections with officials in the petroleum sector. They claimed they could secure a petrol pump dealership for him in exchange for "processing fees" and other charges. Trusting their claims, Singh transferred a total of Rs 78.5 lakh to them over a period of time.

However, once the payments were made, the couple reportedly failed to deliver on their promise and eventually ceased communication with the complainant. Realising he had been defrauded, Singh approached the police with documentary evidence of the transactions and related communications.

Based on the prima facie evidence, Phagwara City Police have registered a case against Balbir Ram and Seema Rani under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"A formal FIR has been lodged and efforts are underway to trace the accused, who are currently absconding," said the SHO. "We are investigating the financial trail and verifying whether the accused have committed similar frauds in the past. Raids are being conducted at multiple locations to apprehend them."

Police officials have advised the public to exercise caution in financial dealings involving large sums and to verify the authenticity of claims related to government allotments.