Patna: A couple accused of defrauding multiple investors of up to Rs 90–100 crore under the guise of offering ‘Washing Express’ franchises has been arrested by Patna police in Gurugram, Haryana.
Rahul Kalra and Ruchika Kalra were apprehended in the Rajendra Park area by a team from Gandhi Maidan police station and brought to Patna on transit remand, officials said.
Police said at least six cases have been registered against the couple across Patna, including four at Gandhi Maidan police station and one each at SK Puri and Patliputra police stations. The FIRs detail alleged fraud amounting to Rs 5.66 crore, though investigators believe the total scale of the scam could be significantly higher.
City SP Diksha said a separate case has also been registered in Bengaluru, and authorities are gathering information about other potential victims.
According to investigators, the accused lured individuals by promising franchise opportunities for a venture named ‘Washing Express’. In one case registered on December 31, complainants alleged they were persuaded to invest Rs 5 lakh initially, followed by an additional Rs 44.60 lakh for business expansion.
Police said the accused later diverted the funds and allegedly attempted to sell the company to a third party. When investors demanded refunds, the couple and their associates allegedly became untraceable.
Another case registered on the same day at Patliputra police station involved an alleged fraud of Rs 80 lakh. Several other complaints have since been filed, with a similar pattern of alleged deception.
A special investigation team was formed to coordinate inquiries across cases. Using technical surveillance, police traced the couple to Gurugram, where they were arrested before they could allegedly leave the country.
Officials said efforts are under way to identify and arrest other individuals linked to the racket and to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
