The Despicable Fraud

Aniket and Sadhna Saxena were excited. Finally, they were going to realize their dreams. They would be cradling their bundle of joy in their arms after a long wait of five years. Aniket was a 32-year-old businessman residing in Lucknow with his wife, Sadhna, 28, a housewife. He had lost his parents in his childhood. His paternal Uncle Shivashankar and Aunt Girija had raised him as their son. 

Aniket married Sadhna six years ago. She had a miscarriage during the first trimester, and the doctors ruled out the possibility of her becoming pregnant again. Tongues started wagging as usual. While their friends expressed their sympathies, the couple's relatives joined the fray to insult them. Most of them asked Aniket to divorce Sadhna and remarry a girl who could give him a son. Sadhna was in tears. However, Aniket lashed out at his nagging relatives to mind their own business. People stopped bothering him. 

It took five years for their wounds to heal. Finally, they decided to adopt a child. They went to Shanti Niwas Anathalay and completed all the legal formalities. They were the proud foster parents of a six-month-old baby boy. His name was Vishal. Though the baby appeared healthy, problems started cropping up after a couple of months. He didn't crawl at all. He didn't flail his arms and legs. The couple took him to a doctor and were shocked to learn that the baby had a genetic birth disorder with a tiny hole in the heart. Aniket and Sadhna felt devastated. They felt very sorry about the child, but fury quickly replaced their dismay. 

Aniket wanted to file a complaint against Shanti Niwas Anathalay for wilful non-disclosure of Vishal's health condition. He went alone to confront Sudhakar Sinha, the manager of the NGO. He yelled at him," You never mentioned that Vishal was sick. I am going to sue you." Sudhakar smirked at him and replied, "Why don't you check the adoption papers, sir? There is a clause mentioning Vishal's health condition. You have expressed your consent with your signature." Aniket was shocked and proceeded to check the papers. He was astonished to find Sudhakar's claim to be correct. He saw a spark of mischievous glint in the manager's eyes. He was sure that Sudhakar had fraudulently obtained his signature on the documents. Unfortunately, he was in no position to accuse him without any proof. 

Aniket returned home, mulling over the next course of action. Sadhna was pacing restlessly outside their housing. She informed him that Vishal's health condition had worsened. They admitted him to a private hospital, where he succumbed to his illness. A pall of gloom descended on the poor couple. Aniket realized that Vishal's case might be just the tip of an iceberg. He met his uncle and aunt to discuss his current predicament. Mr Shivashankar expressed his condolences and said," I feel sorry for Vishal. It's time to punish Sudhakar for his misdeeds. I suspect that he is also involved in child trafficking." He gave him a brilliant idea to catch Sudhakar red-handed.

According to the plan, Aniket would visit the orphanage and make him an irresistible offer for adoption. He would be carrying two sets of cheques and documents. He would first obtain a signature from Sudhakar stating that he had received full payment for adoption. His partner would cause some kind of distraction while he swapped the papers and cheque. 

Aniket decided to seek the help of his best friend, Suresh Kumar, a police inspector. He discussed his plan with Sadhna and waited for a month to let things cool down. As per their plan, the couple and Inspector Suresh (undercover) went to Shanti Niwas Anathalay. 

Sudhakar scowled at them and yelled," Why are you here? You have already insulted me, but I must appreciate your nerve to come here again." Aniket gritted his teeth before replying," I am sorry, Mr Sudhakar. I shouldn't have lost my temper. We are planning to adopt a child, including my friend, Suresh." Sudhakar's greed was visible in his eyes. He appeared to be thinking for a moment and said, " I wanted to turn down your request. However, I forgive you. Let's discuss the formalities in my office." 

They executed their plan without any hitch. Aniket and Suresh filled up the documents and presented their cheques. Sadhna pretended to faint, and Aniket requested Sudhakar to fetch a glass of water. No sooner did the wily manager step out of the office than Aniket and Suresh swapped the cheques. Sudhakar returned shortly with a glass of water and offered it to Sadhna. Sudhakar called the warden, Anjali, to lead them towards the children's ward for their adoption. 

While the couple and Suresh looked around, Sudhakar scrutinized the cheques. Aniket and Suresh had promised to pay one crore ₹ each but issued cheques for ₹10, 00,000 only. " How dare they try to swindle me?" thought Sudhakar. Anger coursed through his veins. He bolted out of his office and caught up with them. " Wait a minute," he screamed, " What's the big idea? Are you trying to play some game with me? You promised to pay one crore but signed cheques for 10,00,000/- only." Aniket seemed genuinely surprised," I am so sorry, Sir. But you have already given us the receipt for our payment. You can go ahead and encash the cheque." 

Sudhakar fell right into their trap. He hollered furiously, " You have played the same trick on me that I tried on you and your wife. I will drag you to court for cheating." Suresh smirked," Thank you so much for your confession. Your colleague, Ms Anjali, has agreed to testify against you. She has also provided us with enough materials to keep you behind bars for a long time. I am Inspector Suresh." 

Suresh handcuffed Sudhakar and led him away to the police station. Various NGOs offered to take care of the homeless children. Aniket and Sadhna adopted a baby girl. They also wanted to do something special for children with disabilities. They sponsored the education and medical treatment of 10 kids from various NGOs.