Press club fraud suspect arrested for duping woman of Rs 20.18 lakh

Bengaluru: The Govindarajanagar police have arrested Shivkumar Nagaranavile, accused of duping a woman by promising her a prestigious post in the Karnataka Press Club Council and involvement in the Singapore World Kannada Festival.

The victim, Meenakshi B., filed a complaint stating that the accused had introduced himself as the Karnataka Press Club Council president and promised to appoint her as the state women’s president of the council and as director of the 2nd edition of the World Kannada Festival in Singapore.

Believing these claims, Meenakshi paid the accused an initial amount of Rs 11,000. Later, he collected Rs 20,000 claiming it was needed for official orders from ministers. Gradually, the total money extorted amounted to Rs 20.18 lakh, which included funds meant for her uncle’s medical treatment and her marriage expenses.

According to the complaint, even after the Singapore Kannada Festival concluded, the accused did not return the money. When Meenakshi inquired, he allegedly began threatening her.

Following the complaint, Govindarajanagar police launched a search for the accused. He was arrested on Thursday night at the airport while attempting to board a flight to Dubai. The police stated that an investigation into the accused’s financial transactions is underway.

This case has highlighted the rising instances of financial fraud under the guise of prestigious positions and international events, targeting unsuspecting individuals through promises of fame and influence.

Authorities are continuing the probe to trace the flow of the defrauded amount and any possible accomplices in the scam.

Also Read: FIR filed against writer BT Lalita Naik over remarks on Ramayana characters