Major Breakthrough: Two Key Accused Arrested in Crores-Worth Scam Luring Public with High Interest Promises,,

Haldwani/Ramnagar, February 5, 2026: In a significant development, Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Manjunath TC has uncovered a massive financial fraud. Operators of “Devbhoomi Multi-State Autonomous Cooperative Society” duped thousands of investors from Almora, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital districts out of approximately ₹6.80 crore by promising high returns and guarantees. The two main accused, Hemchand Pant and Vikas Durgapal, were arrested from Lalkuan area.Following SSP’s directives for swift action on long-pending serious cases, a special team was formed under Additional SP Haldwani Manoj Kumar Kaltial, SHO Haldwani Amit Saini, and SHO Ramnagar Sumit Pandey. Led by Ramnagar Kotwali In-Charge Inspector Sushil Kumar, the team cracked FIR No. 246/2023 under Section 409 IPC registered at Ramnagar Kotwali. The society opened branches in Haldwani (Kapil Complex, Mukhani) and Ramnagar in 2017, citing Uttarakhand government registration to lure innocent citizens into heavy investments.Investigation Reveals Massive Embezzlement
Probe showed the accused collected ₹6.80 crore from thousands of investors, which Chairman Hemchand Pant and Secretary Vikas Durgapal siphoned off with accomplices before fleeing. Branches were found shut, and bank accounts exposed crores in transactions. After obtaining court warrants and attachment orders, raids were conducted in Delhi, Haryana, and Lucknow. On February 4, 2026, the police team nabbed both prime accused from Lalkuan.Further findings indicate fraud cases against them at other stations, with more gang members likely involved—additional arrests expected soon. SSP announced a ₹2,500 reward for the team.Arrested AccusedHemchand Pant (45), s/o Govind Ballabh Pant, r/o Haripur Nayak, Kusumkheda, PS Mukhani, Nainital.Vikas Durgapal (41), s/o Khimanand Durgapal, r/o near SKM School, Dehriya, Kotwali Haldwani, Nainital.Accounts Showed: ₹2.26 Crore & ₹4.58 CroreArrest TeamDeepak Singh Bisht, Senior Sub-Inspector, Lalkuan.Constable Anandpuri.Constable Jitendra Bisht.SSP’s Appeal to Public
SSP Dr. Manjunath TC urged citizens: “Beware of greed for high returns. Verify any society’s registration, legality, and credibility before investing. Report suspicious activities to police immediately. Nainital Police remains committed to cracking down on criminals and protecting citizens.”(Media Cell, Nainital Police)