Lawyer Sentenced to Life for Elaborate Fraud Scheme Targeting Innocent Victims
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – In a stunning rebuke to legal malpractice, a special court in Lucknow has handed down a life sentence to advocate Parmanand Gupta for fabricating criminal cases and subjecting 29 individuals to years of harassment. The case, which unfolded over the past year, reveals a calculated scheme built on false accusations and the exploitation of a vulnerable woman, and serves as a stark warning about the potential for abuse within the legal system. This is a breaking news story with significant implications for judicial integrity and the pursuit of justice.
The Web of Deceit: How the Fraud Unraveled
The scheme, orchestrated by Gupta, centered around Pooja Rawat, an employee at his wife Sangeeta Gupta’s beauty parlor. Gupta allegedly coerced Pooja into filing false complaints with the police, leveraging her vulnerability to target individuals he had personal disputes with. The initial catalyst for the fraud was a disagreement with Arvind Yadav and his brother Awadhesh Yadav. Gupta filed a fabricated case under the Scheduled Castes/Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and a false rape allegation against the brothers, using Pooja as the purported victim.
The investigation, led by ACP Vibhutikhand Radha Raman Singh, quickly revealed inconsistencies. Crucially, the investigation found no evidence to support Pooja’s claims of rape, assault, or intimidation. Electronic records and phone call data corroborated the accused’s alibis. A key piece of evidence was the non-existence of a room allegedly used in the assault – the location was simply an empty plot of land. Witness statements further undermined the narrative, confirming Pooja had never been in the area she claimed the incidents occurred.
Pooja Rawat’s Confession: The Turning Point
The case took a dramatic turn when Pooja Rawat was summoned to court. On August 4, 2025, she submitted an application confessing to the fabrication. Pooja revealed she had been lured to Lucknow with promises of employment and subsequently manipulated by Parmanand and his wife. She admitted to making false statements to the magistrate at Gupta’s direction and explicitly stated that no molestation or rape had taken place. The court granted her conditional forgiveness based on her testimony.
This case isn’t isolated. Investigators discovered Gupta had filed a total of 18 fake cases across various police stations, and an additional 11 through Pooja. This pattern of behavior demonstrates a deliberate and systematic abuse of the legal process.
Court’s Strong Stance & Implications for the Legal Profession
Special Judge Vivekananda Sharan Tripathi, presiding over the case under the Scheduled Castes/Tribes Prevention Act, delivered a scathing indictment of Gupta’s actions. The court emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating that individuals like Gupta “contaminate the judicial process.” Beyond the life sentence and a fine of Rs 5.10 lakh, the court has ordered that a copy of the judgment be sent to the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, seeking disciplinary action to prevent Gupta from practicing law.
Evergreen Context: This case underscores a growing concern about the misuse of legal avenues for personal vendettas and the importance of robust investigation procedures. The SC/ST Act, while crucial for protecting marginalized communities, has sometimes been subject to misuse, highlighting the need for careful scrutiny of complaints. Furthermore, the incident raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of legal professionals and the mechanisms for ensuring accountability within the profession. Understanding the nuances of the Indian legal system, particularly regarding false accusations and the burden of proof, is vital for both legal practitioners and the public. SEO best practices dictate that providing this context enhances the article’s long-term value and search ranking.
The swift and decisive action taken by the Lucknow court sends a powerful message: the judicial system will not tolerate those who exploit it for malicious purposes. This case serves as a potent reminder that justice, while sometimes slow, will ultimately prevail, and those who attempt to pervert it will be held accountable. For readers seeking further information on legal rights and protections, resources are available through the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and various state-level legal aid organizations.
Image Placeholder: Lucknow Court Building
