LUCKNOW, Aug. 18 -- The cyber crime police in Lucknow arrested a 33-year-old man from Patna on Saturday for allegedly duping a city-based businessman of over Rs 1 crore through a fake franchise racket. The accused, identified as Rahul Kumar, once worked as a cleaner in an educational institute but turned to cybercrime after medical expenses for his wife pushed him into debt. According to police, Rahul revealed during interrogation that he was drawn into the gang by a man named Nitish, who promised him easy money. Initially, he was asked to open multiple bank accounts using his Aadhaar and PAN details, which were later used by the gang to route funds collected from victims. Rahul also admitted to signing cheques as instructed by the gang, said Brijesh Yadav, SHO, cyber police station. Police said Rahul had lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic and was struggling to arrange money for his wife's treatment. This financial stress made him susceptible to the gang's offer of quick earnings. Investigations revealed that the racket operated by creating fake websites resembling those of reputed companies. These were promoted through search engines and social media to lure people seeking dealership or franchise opportunities. Victims were convinced to deposit large sums as registration and security fees. The money was then routed through multiple accounts, including those opened by Rahul, before being withdrawn to evade detection, a police press note said. A case was registered under provisions of BNS and Section 66D of the IT Act, police said. A mobile phone was recovered from Rahul, and efforts are underway to trace other members of the gang, believed to be operating from Bihar. htc...