Economic Offences Wing Seizes Fraudsters Behind Fake Kumbh 2025 Film Project

In a decisive operation on 9 October, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Uttar Pradesh Police arrested the principal architect of a ₹7 crore scam centred on a promised documentary about the 2025 Kumbh Mela. The accused, named as Indrajit Nattōji, is alleged to have collaborated with five others to divert public‑funded money earmarked for a culturally significant project. The contract, executed on 2 January 2025 with Messrs Inc Pictures and M‑Code Ventures LLP, called for a payment of ₹5.60 crore 21 thousand 304 inclusive of GST. Instead of producing a documentary, the conspirators generated spurious paperwork, including forged agreements and counterfeit catering bills worth about ₹75 lakh. They also imposed an unlawful levy of ₹20 lakh by intimidating the client, and solicited further sums for alleged shooting and studio costs. Evidence gathered comprised witness statements, forged documents, electronic communications and forensic analysis of the alleged 50 TB of stolen footage. The EOW concluded that the scheme constituted criminal breach of trust, fraud, extortion and theft of intellectual property. The chief suspect fled the jurisdiction shortly after the fraud was uncovered. He was finally tracked down and arrested on 6 October 2026 in Andheri West, Mumbai, by officers from the Versova police area. The investigation remains active and legal action is pending.