Lucknow: Police are searching for Satyaratna Singh, a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) doctor who went missing from the Madiyaon area on October 5. He is accused of allegedly collecting money from 15 to 20 people by promising them government jobs, with the suspected amount running into crores of rupees.
According to police, Singh left home in his car but did not return. His wife, Dr Shipra, tried contacting him, but his mobile phone was switched off. After efforts to trace him through relatives and acquaintances failed, the family approached the police.
Investigators reportedly traced his phone’s last known location to an area near Purnia Crossing. With assistance from his wife, police later recovered his car from the vicinity, but Singh remained untraceable. Teams are conducting searches at locations where he might be found.
Kidnapping Complaint Under Investigation
Dr Shipra reportedly told police that an acquaintance, Prakhar Pandey, had informed her that Singh called him claiming two Scorpio SUVs were following him in the Hazratganj area. Pandey allegedly went there to look for him but could not locate either Singh or the vehicles.
Following the incident, a kidnapping complaint was filed against Pandey and unidentified persons. Police registered a case and began investigating the circumstances of the disappearance.
However, the investigation has also brought alleged financial dealings involving Singh under scrutiny. Police are examining whether his disappearance is connected to the money collected from people seeking government jobs.
₹7.5 Lakh Allegedly Taken from One Person
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Aliganj, Shashi Prakash Mishra, said Singh had allegedly taken ₹7.5 lakh from Pandey on the promise of arranging a job for a family member.
Investigators suspect that other people may also have paid money after being promised appointments at the Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences and other government departments. The number of potential victims is estimated at 15 to 20, while the total alleged amount is said to run into crores.
According to the allegations, the promised jobs did not materialise, leading those who had paid money to seek refunds. Police are examining whether the resulting pressure had any connection with Singh’s disappearance.
Police Probe Both Disappearance and Suspected Fraud
The Madiyaon police are investigating the doctor’s last known movements, mobile phone location, recovery of his vehicle and statements from people associated with him. They are also trying to establish the number of alleged victims, the amount involved and whether others participated in the suspected fraud.
The possibility that the reported kidnapping was staged to avoid refund demands is among the angles being examined. However, this remains an investigative suspicion and has not been established as fact.
Police have yet to trace Singh or verify the full extent of the allegations. The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances of his disappearance and determine whether any criminal wrongdoing took place.
