Colonel Sandeep Srivastava Reports Online Fraud in Pune
Colonel Sandeep Srivastava Reports Online Fraud in Pune
A 67-year-old retired Army colonel, Colonel Sandeep Srivastava, has lodged a complaint with the Pune cyber police regarding a significant online fraud case. The incident, which occurred between October and December of last year, resulted in a staggering loss of Rs 1.03 crore for the retired officer.
According to reports, Colonel Srivastava’s phone number was added to a messaging application group that was promoting high returns from share-trading tips. The group administrator subsequently sent him a link to download a trading application, which marked the beginning of the fraudulent scheme.
Initially, the colonel purchased low-value shares as advised by the group. However, he was soon encouraged to invest in high-value shares and initial public offerings (IPOs). The suspects promised to assist him in purchasing these shares and provided details of 15 different bank accounts for money transfers.
After transferring a significant amount of money, the trading application displayed a profit of more than Rs 4 crore, which lured Colonel Srivastava further into the scheme. However, when he attempted to sell the shares and withdraw his supposed profits, the suspects did not allow him to do so, revealing the fraudulent nature of the operation.
Senior inspector Swapnali Shinde, who is involved in the investigation, noted, “The victim stays with his family,” emphasizing the emotional toll this incident has taken on Colonel Srivastava and his loved ones.
In a separate development, Colonel Sandeep Srivastava opened a homestay called Chandrakanta Farm Stay in Lucknow in October last year. The homestay charges Rs 1,500 for a room and is part of a broader initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government, which aims to establish 50,000 homestays across the state. This initiative has garnered significant interest, with over 2,000 applications received, one-third of which are from women and elderly homeowners.
Colonel Srivastava expressed his enthusiasm for the homestay venture, stating, “What began as an idea from my daughter has turned into something that keeps us engaged and connected with people.” This reflects a positive turn in his life amidst the recent challenges he has faced due to the online fraud.
The increasing prevalence of online scams poses a significant risk to individuals, particularly those who may be less familiar with digital trading platforms. As authorities continue to investigate the case, it serves as a reminder for the public to exercise caution when engaging in online financial transactions. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in the investigation.
