Uttar Pradesh police on Wednesday visited the Delhi residence of celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib in connection with an alleged investment fraud case,
but he was not at home. Superintendent of Police (Sambhal) Krishan Bishnoi said Habib has been evading interrogation and has been absconding since the matter surfaced. He added that Habib has been asked to appear for questioning, reports PTI. "If he fails to do so, the police will seek a non-bailable warrant against him," Bishnoi said. Habib was summoned for questioning on October 12 but did not appear, sending his lawyer instead. The lawyer claimed he could not provide the required documents. Following this, police obtained a search warrant and visited Habib’s residence in New Friends Colony, south Delhi, but he was not there. According to police, more than 150 people were allegedly defrauded of at least Rs 7 crore, though formal complaints have been filed by 33 victims. Thirty-three FIRs have been registered against Habib, his son Anos Habib, and an associate, Saiful. Habib's lawyer, Pawan Kumar, had earlier submitted medical papers citing poor health. The three are accused of running a scheme under the banner of Follicle Global Company (FLC), collecting Rs 5–7 lakh from each investor with promises of 50–70 percent returns on Bitcoin investments. "They took around Rs 5–7 lakh from each investor, claiming it would yield high returns, but even after two and a half years, none of the investors received their money back," Bishnoi said. A lookout notice has been issued to prevent Habib and his family from leaving the country. Govind Kumar, in-charge of Raia Satti Police Station, said 32 FIRs have so far been registered against Habib, his son, and Saiful following a detailed investigation.
