Ex-BJP city councillorarrested for runningfinancial fraud racket
Jaipur: A 56-year-old former BJP councillor was arrested Monday for allegedly running a financial fraud racket that duped several people with fake promises of subsidised govt schemes and high returns on investments.
The Malpura Gate police station identified the accused as Kanta Chhipa, a resident of Sanganer, who continued the scam even after one of her alleged accomplices, Mala Singh, was arrested earlier. The case was filed on March 3 by Trilok Chhipa, 29, a resident of Krishna City, who alleged that Kanta and others were collecting money from residents by offering cheap rations, scooters, mobile phones, and quick monetary returns.
Victims were reportedly lured with offers such as Rs 22,000 in return for a deposit of Rs 5,000, and ration kits worth Rs 2,200 sold for Rs 1,200. Scooters priced at Rs 1 lakh were allegedly offered for Rs 50,000. Police said her close aide Mala Singh, who was also part of the fraud, fled before being arrested.
"Kanta touted the scheme as a BJP-linked initiative to win people's trust," said an official, adding that after Mala went underground, Kanta allegedly took over operations, going door-to-door in localities to collect funds while failing to deliver the promised items or issue refunds.
A special team was formed under the East District police to probe the matter. Officials said several pieces of evidence, including video footage and online transaction records, were seized.
Kanta was sent to judicial custody. "Further investigation is underway to trace the full extent of the racket and identify other accused who were part of the racket," said an official. Police said that they also seized incriminating evidence, including payments made through different methods to the accused.
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