A Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Durg district, Chhattisgarh, has directed the police to investigate former India off-spinner Rajesh Chauhan in connection with allegations of financial fraud involving more than ₹15 lakh.
The direction was issued on an application filed under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) after the complainant alleged that he was induced to invest in a transport business through false representations.
Importantly, the court has not held Rajesh Chauhan guilty of any offence. It has only directed the police to conduct a lawful investigation and submit a final report after examining the available evidence.
The matter presently remains at the investigation stage.
Complaint Relates to Transport Business Partnership
According to the complaint, the dispute arose from an alleged transport business venture involving Govind Transport Company.
The complainant, Dinkar Vishwamitra, alleged that he was introduced to Rajesh Chauhan through a mutual acquaintance identified as Saroj Kumar.
According to the complaint, Chauhan represented that Govind Transport Company had secured a transportation contract relating to iron ore and other materials for Jindal Steel Limited in Keonjhar, Odisha.
The complainant alleged that these representations persuaded him to participate in the proposed business venture.
These allegations remain untested and are subject to investigation.
Alleged Promise of Profitable Business Opportunity
According to the complaint, the proposed business involved arranging trucks for transportation work under the alleged contract.
The complainant claimed that he was assured the venture would generate substantial profits.
To establish credibility, Chauhan allegedly showed:
- Work orders
- Contract documents
- Official-looking business papers
- Other supporting documents
The complainant alleged that these documents created the impression that the transportation project was genuine and commercially viable.
Investigators will examine the authenticity of these documents during the course of the inquiry.
Agreement Allegedly Signed in 2021
According to the complainant's counsel, Advocate Saurabh Chaubey, the parties executed a formal agreement on 30 July 2021.
The complainant allegedly made an initial payment of ₹2.51 lakh.
Subsequently, he is said to have transferred additional amounts into the bank account of Govind Transport Company.
The complaint alleges that the total amount transferred reached approximately ₹15.01 lakh through multiple instalments.
Police are expected to verify:
- The agreement
- Banking records
- Transfer details
- Account ownership
- Supporting documentation
The authenticity and legal effect of these documents will be examined during the investigation.
Returns Allegedly Never Received
The complainant alleged that despite investing the money, the promised business returns were never generated.
He further claimed that the invested funds were not refunded despite repeated requests.
Police are likely to investigate whether the payments represented:
- Business investment
- Partnership contribution
- Loan
- Advance payment
- Other commercial arrangement
The legal character of the transaction will be an important issue during the investigation.
Court Finds Sufficient Grounds for Investigation
After examining the complaint and documents produced before it, the JMFC court concluded that the allegations required investigation.
The court observed that the complaint disclosed circumstances warranting police inquiry into the alleged financial transaction.
Accordingly, the court directed Durg Police to:
- Conduct a lawful investigation
- Examine documentary evidence
- Verify financial transactions
- Record relevant statements
- Submit a final report before the court
The order does not amount to a finding that any offence has been committed.
Investigation Ordered Under BNSS
The application was filed under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
This provision empowers a Magistrate, in appropriate circumstances, to direct the police to investigate a complaint where the facts disclosed may warrant criminal inquiry.
Such an order merely initiates the investigative process.
Whether criminal proceedings ultimately continue depends upon the evidence collected and the police report submitted before the court.
Police to Examine Financial Records
The investigation is expected to include scrutiny of:
- Bank account statements
- Money transfer records
- Partnership agreement
- Alleged work orders
- Contract documents
- Company records
- Correspondence between the parties
- Witness statements
Investigators may also examine whether the alleged transportation contract actually existed and whether the documents shown to the complainant were genuine.
Durg Police to Submit Final Report
Following the court's direction, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Durg, stated that police would investigate the allegations in accordance with law.
After completing the inquiry, investigators will submit a final report before the Magistrate.
Depending upon the evidence collected, the report may recommend:
- Further criminal proceedings
- Closure of the complaint
- Additional investigation
- Other action permissible under law
The ultimate decision will rest with the competent court.
Court Has Not Determined Guilt
An important feature of the present case is that the court has not recorded any finding regarding the truth or falsity of the allegations.
The order merely requires the police to investigate the complaint.
The allegations must still be examined through:
- Documentary evidence
- Banking records
- Witness testimony
- Financial transactions
- Any explanations provided by the persons concerned
Only after completion of the legal process can the court determine whether any criminal offence has been established.
Business Disputes and Criminal Allegations
Commercial transactions sometimes give rise to both civil disputes and criminal complaints.
Where allegations involve intentional deception, false representations or inducement to part with money, complainants may seek criminal investigation in addition to pursuing civil remedies.
Whether a particular dispute amounts to:
- Mere breach of contract,
- Commercial disagreement, or
- Criminal fraud,
depends entirely upon the evidence and applicable law.
The investigation in this matter will examine these questions.
Rajesh Chauhan's Cricket Career
Rajesh Chauhan represented India as an off-spin bowler during the 1990s.
His international career included:
- 21 Test matches
- 47 Test wickets
- 35 One Day Internationals
Following his retirement from international cricket, he became associated with various business ventures.
His sporting career is independent of the allegations presently under investigation.
Importance of Due Diligence in Business Investments
The case highlights the importance of conducting proper due diligence before investing in commercial ventures.
Potential investors should independently verify:
- Business contracts
- Customer relationships
- Government registrations
- Company financial records
- Existing commercial operations
- Banking details
- Documentary authenticity
Reliance solely upon verbal assurances or unofficial copies of documents may expose investors to financial risk.
Protecting Commercial Investments
Individuals entering business partnerships should ensure that transactions are supported by:
- Written agreements
- Verified contracts
- Bank payment records
- Independent legal advice
- Due diligence reports
- Proper accounting records
Maintaining documentary evidence helps both investors and investigating agencies if disputes subsequently arise.
Investigation Will Determine Next Legal Steps
The Durg Police investigation will now proceed under the court's supervision.
Investigators will examine financial records, documentary evidence and witness statements before submitting their findings.
Any further legal proceedings will depend entirely upon the evidence collected during the inquiry.
Until the investigation is completed and appropriate judicial findings are made, all allegations remain unproven.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Court-directed investigations play an important role in ensuring that allegations of financial misconduct receive independent examination while protecting the rights of all parties. An order directing investigation should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt but as the beginning of the evidentiary process.
For investors and business partners, the case reinforces the importance of verifying commercial contracts, confirming business relationships and maintaining proper documentation before transferring substantial funds. Effective due diligence remains one of the strongest safeguards against both commercial disputes and alleged financial fraud.