How the Asian Games gold medalist was cheated of Rs 69 crore

Asian Games gold medalist sprinter Sarita Gayakwad was allegedly duped of Rs 69.10 crore after she invested in a sand business in Gujarat on the promise of high returns. Accused Nitin Bharti allegedly offered her a monthly return of 4 percent on her investment and promised to repay the principal after a year. However, he allegedly defaulted on his commitments and is now on the run, police said.

On October 29, an FIR was registered at Ahwa police station in Dang district against Bharti, a resident of Vyara town in Tapi district, based on a complaint lodged by a 32-year-old sportsperson.

Gayakwad, who lives with her parents in Karadiamba village of Ahwa taluka in Dang district, claimed that she was introduced to Bharti in 2024 through a mutual acquaintance Jitubhai, the sarpanch of Gadhvi gram panchayat. Gold medalist Sarita (second from right) meets Prime Minister Modi in 2018. (Photo: X)

TRADE SAND FRAUD

During their meeting, Bharti allegedly told her that he ran a large sand business in Vyara, with vehicles transporting construction material to Mumbai. He claimed to have invested 3 to 4 million rupees of his own money in the business and offered Gayanadava a monthly return of 4 percent on any amount she invested. According to the FIR, he also promised to return the principal after a year.

With confidence in these assurances, the athlete began to invest in business. However, Bharti allegedly failed to pay the promised monthly returns or return the principal after the agreed one-year period.

According to her complaint, Bharti continued to give her assurances whenever she contacted him about the money. On one occasion, he sent her a photo of a check worth Rs 30 lakh via WhatsApp, claiming it was issued for cashing. However, he never gave her the check.

Gayakwad further claimed that she has not been able to contact Bharti over phone for the last two months. The total amount she claimed to have invested in the scheme was Rs 69,10,059.

“Gayakwad was allegedly cheated of Rs 69.10 lakh allegedly by Bharti, who offered her a high return on his investment. Based on the athlete’s complaint, we have registered an FIR against the absconding accused. Efforts are on to nab him,” said Inspector KB Sankhla of Ahwa police station.

A case was registered under Sections 316(5) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to the offense of breach of trust and aggravated cheating.

Gayakwad was part of the Indian women’s 4x400m relay team that won gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. The sprinter is among the athletes who have represented India at the continental event.

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