Arrest in Sitapur
Police in Sitapur have taken a married pair into custody for allegedly swindling close to ₹27 lakh by impersonating a bank manager and an Income Tax Department inspector. The suspects, Rohit Bajpai and his wife Annu Bajpai (also known as Chandra), hail from Kannauj.
How the Con Was Executed
Investigators say the duo first scouted the neighbourhood in May before moving into a rented house in Prem Nagar on 31 August. Rohit presented himself as the manager of the Punjab National Bank branch in Mishrikh, while Annu claimed to be an Income Tax inspector, each brandishing counterfeit identity cards to lend credibility to their ruse.
Victims and Money Trail
The initial victim, Ramnaresh Jaiswal, was convinced to part with ₹20 lakh on the promise of acquiring auction‑gold at a reduced price. He was later coaxed into handing over another ₹2 lakh for a supposed exchange of damaged currency notes. Additional victims included Premlata Bajpai, who lost ₹1 lakh, and laundry operator Atul, who was duped out of ₹4 lakh.
Escape Route and Asset Recovery
After the frauds were carried out, the pair fled by car on 14 September, hopping between vehicles and traversing Agra, Kota, Betul and Chennai in an attempt to evade capture. Law enforcement recovered ₹14 lakh in cash, jewellery valued at roughly ₹6 lakh, four mobile phones and several forged identification documents. Two of the phones alone were appraised at about ₹50,000.
Investigation Findings
Superintendent of Police Ankur Agrawal disclosed that, during interrogation, the couple admitted to running similar scams since 2005. Their modus operandi involved traveling across states, establishing contact with potential victims under false pretences, and disappearing once the money was secured.
Reward for Information
The police unit that dismantled the operation has been offered a reward of ₹25,000 for their diligent work.
