Consultancy lures 21-year-old for loan via Instagram, extorts ₹10 lakh with threats

Lucknow: A 21-year-old man has alleged he was cheated of nearly ₹10 lakh after responding to an Instagram advertisement offering a startup loan of up to ₹4 crore. Police said two men have been taken into custody in connection with charges of extortion and criminal intimidation. An FIR registered at Vibhuti Khand police station states the complainant was contacted in July 2026 by representatives of Udyam Setu Consultant Service.