In a shocking case of fraud, a resident of Urban Estate Phase-1, Iqbaljit Singh Bhatia, was allegedly cheated out of ₹3 lakh by a man impersonating an Income Tax officer. The accused, identified as Subhash Chandra, reportedly lured Bhatia with a promise of gold at lower rates.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to Bhatia's complaint, he was introduced to Chandra on February 7 through a local property dealer on Garha Road. Chandra claimed to have recently been transferred to Jalandhar and was looking for rental accommodation. Believing his credentials, Bhatia agreed to rent out the first floor of his house to him for a tenure of two to three years.
Initially, Chandra did not pay the security deposit, citing that his wallet had been stolen. Trusting him, Bhatia allowed him to move in with the assurance that the deposit would be paid within a week.
A few days later, Chandra allegedly offered to arrange gold at a lower price through his 'connections' in the Income Tax Department. Convinced by the claim, Bhatia withdrew ₹3 lakh from SBI Bank Choti Baradari on February 13 and handed it over to Chandra, who accompanied him to the bank. The accused assured him that the gold would be delivered within a few days.
Victim Realizes the Scam
However, when Chandra neither delivered the gold nor responded to calls, Bhatia grew suspicious. His phone remained switched off, prompting further inquiries at the Income Tax Department, where officials confirmed that no officer named Subhash Chandra had been transferred or employed there.
Realizing the deception, Bhatia immediately approached the Commissioner's office, which referred the case to the cyber cell and the local police station for investigation.
Police Investigation Underway
Authorities have begun verifying the claims, and an FIR is expected to be registered soon. Police officials have urged citizens to remain cautious and verify identities before engaging in financial transactions, especially with individuals claiming official connections.
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