TM Exclusive: Farmers in Bundelkhand Fall Victim to Tractor-Trolley Scam

Bhopal- In a disheartening turn of events, the Bundelkhand region in Madhya Pradesh has become the stage for a distressing scam, leaving numerous farmers in despair. A cunning gang, active in areas like Khurai, Bina, Malthon, Pathari, and neighboring parts of Uttar Pradesh under the Sagar division, has orchestrated a scheme to swindle farmers by enticing them into fraudulent contracts for tractor-trolley projects. The victims, who initially believed they were contributing to new construction ventures, find themselves betrayed as the perpetrators vanish with their hard-earned tractors.

In Bundelkhand, approved projects, including overbridge constructions like the Bina River Project and other dams, have created opportunities for farmers to earn additional income by leasing their tractor-trolleys for various construction purposes. Exploiting the vulnerability of farmers who finance their tractors through bank loans, the fraudsters formed a gang. They would gather information about new tractor owners in villages, posing as contractors and enticing them with promises of earning Rs 30,000 monthly.

The fraudsters would then execute a contract, promising the farmers to be paid Rs 30,000 per month, along with an initial advance amount. However, when the time came for the next month's payment, the farmers did not receive it. The gang employed various tactics, including threats and avoidance, leaving farmers perplexed and helpless. Recently, farmers caught wind of the gang's activities and managed to unite, leading to the apprehension of three gang members near Khurai bypass. Subsequently, the farmers handed them over to the police.

Around 25 farmers have lodged complaints with the police, estimating that approximately 100 farmers have been defrauded. The three gang members currently in police custody are under investigation, with authorities looking into the extent of the fraud that has cost farmers crores of rupees.

Farmers are now regularly approaching Khurai Dehat police station with their grievances. Dashrath, son of Nathuram from Gamiriya village, reported that the gang convinced him of assured income for leasing a tractor for tilling on a 4-acre land was seized. The gang paid only one installment of Rs 88,500 in six months, but the outstanding loan amount is now Rs 9 lakh, excluding additional late fees and interest.

The police have initiated an investigation into the complaints lodged by the farmers ensnared by this fraudulent gang. SDPO Sachin Parte told The Mooknayak that inquiries are underway, and instructions have been given to the rural police station in-charge to collect written complaints from affected farmers. The three arrested individuals are currently being interrogated.