Over 15,000 Investors Defrauded of ₹500 Crore
Key Accused Absconding for 8 Months
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts Exclusive
A massive investment fraud involving over 15,000 investors and more than ₹500 crore has come to light. Investors were lured into investing in cryptocurrency with the promise that the company would trade the funds in the CFD market, offering an attractive monthly return of 10-15%. This shocking revelation was uncovered by the special investigation team of the trusted English newspaper Sprouts.
Ashok Reshamlal Sharma, the prime accused, hails from Purnia village in Jharkhand. He currently resides in Borivali (West), Mumbai, with his wife, Sulekha Ashok Sharma, who is also a primary accused in the scam.
Through FVP Trade Pvt. Ltd., Ashok Sharma allegedly collected ₹500 crore from over 15,000 investors. One of the investors, Rajesh Khanna, lodged a complaint on March 27, 2024, at the Charkop Police Station. Despite initial delays, an FIR was finally registered on June 9, 2024, following persistent efforts by Khanna.
Charges Filed
The FIR includes charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 409 (breach of trust by individuals in specific roles), 420 (cheating), and 34 (common intention). Additionally, offenses under the Maharashtra Protection of Investors Deposit (MPID) Act, Sections 3 and 4, have also been filed.
Allegations of Partial Investigation
Khanna has accused the investigation officer of deliberately omitting certain names from the FIR. He has demanded that Ashok Sharma’s associates, including Abhishek Dilip Sharma (nephew), Neha Ashok Sharma (daughter), Chandrakla Kurapati, Naveed, and Advocate Naveen Tak, be named co-accused.
Suspicious Financial Transactions
Abhishek Sharma, Kurapati, and Naveed reportedly conducted multi-crore transactions with the main accused. Neha Sharma, employed at a private company in Ghatkopar, is also linked to suspicious transactions across multiple bank accounts.
Advocate Naveen Tak, residing in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is suspected of playing a crucial role in the scam. He operates an NGO, SOG Social Foundation, which facilitated significant financial transactions with Ashok Sharma.
Sulekha Sharma’s Role
Sulekha Ashok Sharma, claiming to be a homemaker, faces serious charges under IPC and MPID laws. Investigations reveal crores of rupees were transferred to her various bank accounts via GPay, RTGS, IMPS, NEFT, and bank transfers. Despite her bail being denied by the court, the police have not arrested her, prompting Khanna to demand immediate action.
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Alleged Police Collusion
Khanna has accused police officers, including Police Inspector Vilas Shelke, Assistant (constable) Sanjay Pawar, and Senior Police Inspector Jyoti Bhopale, of colluding with the accused. He has called for an inquiry into their actions and has submitted a formal complaint to Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar.
In his letter, Khanna also expressed fears for his and his family’s safety, holding the accused responsible for any harm.
Accused’s Bold Claims
Ashok Sharma, the prime accused, remains defiant. He reportedly stated:
“मुंबई की पुलिस और कोर्ट-कचहरी में, मैं टके-टके पर खरीदता हूँ। तुझे जो करना है, जा के कर ले। मेरा मुंबई में कोई कुछ नहीं उखाड़ सकता।”
“I buy off Mumbai’s police and courts for mere pennies. Do whatever you want; no one can touch me in Mumbai.”
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on the systemic lapses and the need for stringent action against those involved in this massive fraud.
Unmesh Gujarathi
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