Fugitive Indian ‘mastermind’ accused of defrauding local businesses, using fraudulently obtained identity

An Indian fugitive previously declared a proclaimed offender by a Delhi court has been accused of continuing to defraud Ghanaian and international businesses, despite standing arrest warrants in her home country.

Court records from Delhi’s Patiala House Courts show that Niharika Handa was indicted in connection with a real estate scheme in which investors were lured into funding projects that never materialised.

In 2021, she was officially declared a proclaimed offender after failing to appear before the court.

The ruling described her as “the mastermind of the alleged case crime,” with active non-bailable warrants against her.

Despite this, Ms. Handa resurfaced in Ghana in 2022, acquiring a Ghanaian passport alongside her son, Punar Vasu Handa.

Documents seen by this newspaper show discrepancies between her Indian and Ghanaian passports, including altered dates of birth.  Ms. Niharika Handa falsified her date of birth, changing it from 1961 to 1965.

This has raised questions about how she was able to obtain Ghanaian citizenship despite her legal status abroad and local citizenship laws, which require seven years of continuous residence and strict background checks.

After securing legal documents in Ghana, Ms. Handa established a partnership with technology entrepreneur, Amar Deep Singh Hari to co-found Gold Crest Refinery, a player in the local gold sector.

Mr. Hari has since alleged that Ms. Handa and her son diverted millions of dollars from the company before abruptly departing the country.

The fallout included raids by National Security officers at Mr. Hari’s premises following complaints lodged by Ms. Handa and her son, who accused him of trespassing, hoarding gold, and theft. Investigators later found no evidence to support those claims.

According to Mr. Haro with the matter, the Handas used their association with him, as a well-established businessman, to gain credibility in Ghana’s financial and business circles.

This association allowed them to open accounts, attract investors, and establish further ventures.

Evidence suggests that Ms. Handa has since used her Ghanaian identity papers to expand operations abroad,  obtaining visas to the UK, UAE, and Schengen countries.

Company registry filings in the United Kingdom list her as the director of Rika Pure Gold Limited and three additional firms, under the name Niharika Ajay Handa.

Her son, Mr. Vasu Handa, also faces outstanding cases in India and Dubai. Together, they are alleged to have followed a pattern of establishing residence in elite communities, cultivating networks through lavish events, and leveraging business partnerships to attract financing before withdrawing funds and relocating.

International security officials warn that the Handas’ ability to operate in multiple jurisdictions make them appealing to unsuspecting victims and that makes them more dangerous.

Exhibit B, reviewed by this newspaper, shows clear inconsistencies between Ms. Handa’s Indian and Ghanaian passports, lending weight to claims of identity manipulation.

The Criminal Investigatios Department of the Ghana Police Service has confirmed that the matter is under active investigation through its Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

One senior security source described the implications starkly: “Citizenship is more than a document. It is the state’s solemn word of protection. If stolen, it damages Ghana’s reputation.”

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