Fraud of Rs 5 crore in the name of crop purchase in Nagda, Ujjain, three accused arrested

Ujjain, October 18 (IANS). A sensational case of cheating farmers of about Rs 5 crore in the name of crop purchases has come to light in Nagda of Ujjain district. The Nagda police exposed this fraud gang and arrested three main accused. The police seized property worth millions of rupees, including a house, plot and two vehicles from the possession of the accused. This action was carried out under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma and the guidance of City Superintendent of Police Nagda. Investigation revealed that the accused cheated hundreds of farmers of Nagda, Mahidpur, Khachrod, Unhel and Javra areas in the name of purchasing soybeans and other crops. The arrested accused include Saurabh Modi, a resident of Shriram Colony, Nagda, Rajesh Dhakad, a resident of Banwara, and Chaggu alias Pukhraj Gurjar, a resident of Ram Sahay Marg, Nagda. A case has been registered against them under section 318(4), 316(2), 316(5) and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code under crime number 481/2025 at the Nagda police station. Police said the accused bought crops from farmers, but instead of paying, they bought houses, plots, jewelery and vehicles with the fraudulent money. When the farmers came to demand payment, the accused continued to give false assurances. The police seized a house worth about Rs 1 crore, a plot worth about Rs 30 lakh, a Bolero pickup and a Tata Tiago car from the accused. These properties will be attached and auctioned by court order, and the farmers will be refunded their hard-earned money from the amount received. Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma said that the problems of farmers are being taken seriously. Many farmers complained that traders bought their crops but did not pay Rs 4 to 5 crore. The Nagda Police said that the investigation is still ongoing and complete information about the fraudulently obtained properties is being collected in collaboration with other departments. The police say strict action will be taken against those who rob farmers of their hard-earned money. There is a possibility of involvement of more accused in this case. The police appealed to farmers to enter into written contracts while selling crops and ensure payment confirmation. –IANS shk/psk