Businessman Cheated of Rs 50 Lakh in Elaborate CM Fund Grant Scam
A Bengaluru businessman has fallen victim to an elaborate fraud scheme that cost him Rs 50 lakh, with two accused currently absconding after making false promises of grants from the Chief Minister's fund.
The Deceptive Friendship That Led to Fraud
The incident came to light when the victim revealed how the main accused, identified as Harish, systematically gained his trust over several months. According to the victim's statement to DH, the fraudulent relationship began in October last year when Harish was organizing local events in the area.
Harish presented himself as an active RSS worker and claimed to hold the position of BJP president of Kottigepalya Ward. This political credibility became his primary tool to build rapport with the businessman before executing the financial fraud.
The Modus Operandi of the Scam
The accused exploited the businessman's trust by offering access to grants from the Chief Minister's fund. They created an elaborate facade, convincing the victim that they could secure significant financial assistance through government channels.
Over time, the fraudsters managed to extract Rs 50 lakh from the businessman under various pretexts related to the promised grants. The exact methods used to convince the victim to part with such a substantial amount are currently under police investigation.
Both accused have now disappeared, leaving the businessman to deal with the massive financial loss and the emotional trauma of betrayal by someone he considered a trusted acquaintance.
Police Investigation and Current Status
Local authorities have registered a case and launched a manhunt for the two absconding individuals. The investigation aims to uncover the complete network behind this scam and determine if there are more victims.
The case highlights the growing sophistication of financial frauds in urban areas, where criminals increasingly use political affiliations and government program references to appear legitimate.
Police have advised citizens to exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to offer special access to government funds or schemes, emphasizing the importance of verifying credentials through official channels before transferring any money.
