In a shocking case of financial fraud that has rocked Karnataka's coastal region, an Udupi-based couple and their relative have been cheated out of a staggering ₹1.45 crore by cunning fraudsters posing as government officials.
The Elaborate Deception Unfolds
The victims, identified as Shashidhar Shetty, his wife, and their relative Shrikar Prabhu, were systematically targeted by fraudsters who claimed to be facilitating benefits under the prestigious Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). The scammers employed a multi-layered approach to gain their victims' trust over an extended period.
How the Scam Operated
The fraudsters executed their scheme with alarming precision:
- Posed as officials from the PMEGP scheme
- Promised substantial financial benefits and employment opportunities
- Created fake documents and government-looking paperwork
- Maintained continuous communication to build false trust
- Systematically collected payments under various pretexts
The Financial Drain
According to police reports, the victims made multiple payments totaling ₹1,45,00,000 between specific dates. The fraudsters created various fictional requirements and processing fees to justify the repeated financial demands.
"The sophistication of this scam is particularly concerning," noted a senior police official involved in the investigation. "The perpetrators demonstrated deep understanding of government schemes and psychological manipulation techniques."
Police Investigation Underway
Udupi police have registered a formal case and launched a comprehensive investigation into the massive fraud. Authorities are examining:
- Financial transactions and money trails
- Communication records between victims and fraudsters
- Possible connections to other similar fraud cases
- Digital footprints and technological evidence
Warning Signs for the Public
This case highlights several red flags that citizens should recognize:
- Legitimate government schemes rarely demand large upfront payments
- Official communications typically come through verified channels
- Employment generation programs have transparent application processes
- Government officials don't solicit personal funds for scheme benefits
The Udupi police have urged citizens to verify any unsolicited offers of government benefits through official channels before committing any funds. As investigations continue, authorities remain hopeful of tracking down the perpetrators behind this elaborate ₹1.45 crore deception.
