In a shocking turn of events, a Surat-based builder fell victim to a multi-crore scam orchestrated by CBI officials and Amreli Police, allegedly aided by one of his own business partners. The builder was extorted for a total of Rs 17 crores, including Rs 5 crores in cash and Bitcoins worth Rs 12 crores. The case has now caught the attention of Gujarat Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja, who has directed the CID Crime Branch to investigate the matter thoroughly.
How the Scam Unfolded
The builder, Sailesh Bhatt, a resident of Icon Buildings on Dumas Road in Surat, is a prominent figure in the construction industry with interests in various business ventures, including Bitcoin trading. Bhatt had previously disclosed his undisclosed income under the government’s Income Declaration Scheme (IDS) following demonetization.
The trouble began when Bhatt’s business partner, Kirit Paladiya, informed him in February that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI were investigating his Bitcoin dealings and could raid his properties at any moment. Initially skeptical, Bhatt’s doubts were dispelled when he received a call from a CBI official named Sunil Nair, who summoned him to a meeting in Gandhinagar.
At the meeting, Nair allegedly threatened Bhatt with raids on his businesses and homes unless he paid Rs 5 crores to avoid legal action. Fearing the consequences, Bhatt complied and arranged the payment with the help of his partners.
Amreli Police’s Involvement
The situation escalated on February 11 when Bhatt was lured to a meeting with Paladiya near Nidhi Petrol Pump in Gandhinagar. Upon arrival, two SUVs marked “Amreli Police” intercepted them. Bhatt was forcibly taken to Keshav Farm on Chiloda Highway, where he was allegedly beaten by Inspector Anant Patel of the Amreli Crime Branch.
During the ordeal, Patel demanded that Bhatt transfer 200 Bitcoins from Paladiya’s e-wallet account, threatening to kill him if he refused. Under duress, Bhatt complied, resulting in the extortion of Bitcoins worth Rs 12 crores.
Demands for More Money
The extortion didn’t end there. Patel reportedly demanded an additional Rs 50 crores to avoid filing a case against Bhatt for illegal Bitcoin trading. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to Rs 32 crores, which Bhatt attempted to arrange through a hawala transfer via an angadia firm. However, the firm’s manager, Prahlad, grew suspicious of Bhatt’s instructions and halted the transaction.
Frustrated and desperate, Bhatt sought help from former Amreli MLA Nalin Kotadiya, who initially promised to escalate the matter to Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja. However, Kotadiya later advised Bhatt to pay the ransom, claiming the situation was too serious to resolve otherwise.
CID Crime Branch Steps In
On February 23, Bhatt directly approached Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja, detailing the entire ordeal. Jadeja, shocked by the allegations, ordered CID Crime Branch chief Ashish Bhatia to investigate the case. The CID has since recorded Bhatt’s statement and is actively probing the matter.
Key Figures Respond
- Nalin Kotadiya: Denied any involvement in the scam, stating that Bhatt’s allegations were false. He claimed to have advised Bhatt to return money borrowed for Bitcoin investments and has written to Jadeja to initiate legal action against Bhatt for his alleged illegal activities.
- Amreli Police Chief Jagdish Patel: Feigned ignorance about Inspector Anant Patel’s actions, suggesting the matter was now under CID jurisdiction.
Conclusion
This high-profile case highlights the vulnerabilities of individuals involved in cryptocurrency trading and the potential for exploitation by corrupt officials. As the CID Crime Branch investigates, the truth behind this elaborate scam will hopefully come to light, ensuring justice for the victim and accountability for those involved.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to reliable news sources.