Hathras MP's signature forged in ₹1.1 million fraud
A massive ₹1.1 million fraud involving forged signatures of Hathras MP Anup Pradhan has led to a police case against Vimal Gautam.
A massive financial scam has surfaced in Hathras involving the alleged forgery of Member of Parliament (MP) Anup Pradhan's signature. The fraud, amounting to ₹1.1 million, has prompted a formal police complaint and an ongoing investigation into the misuse of the MP's identity to secure illegal funds.
The Deception: A Fake Contract Promise
The victim, Mukesh Kumar, the Chief Operating Officer of the New Delhi-based Rajkamal Prakashan Group, has approached the Superintendent of Police in Hathras to report the incident. According to the complaint, the ordeal began during a meeting on August 4, 2026, at the Delhi residence of MP Anup Pradhan.
Kumar was reportedly visiting the MP to discuss the procurement of books under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). Following this meeting, the accused, identified as Vimal Gautam, allegedly contacted Kumar, claiming he had successfully negotiated with the MP to ensure the publication group would be awarded the contract.
The Forgery Uncovered
The scam unfolded through a series of calculated moves by Gautam:
- The Demand: On August 8, Gautam demanded ₹1.1 million, promising that the funds would secure the contract through official channels.
- The Proof: To gain trust, Gautam used the MP's official letterhead and claimed a recommendation letter would be uploaded to the E-Sakshi portal.
- The Suspicion: On August 25, Gautam shared a screenshot via WhatsApp purportedly showing the document uploaded to the portal.
The deception was finally exposed on September 7, when Mukesh Kumar and company owner Ashok Maheshwari visited MP Anup Pradhan in person. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the signatures on the documents used to solicit the money were forged.
Police Investigation Underway
The complainant has submitted substantial evidence to the authorities, including WhatsApp screenshots and call histories, to substantiate the allegations. The formal complaint demands strict legal action against Vimal Gautam and the full recovery of the stolen ₹1.1 million.
Hathras police are currently investigating the matter to verify the authenticity of the claims and to track the movement of the defrauded funds.