A lecturer at a government college in Kalaburagi, aiming to secure a position in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), has fallen victim to a scam orchestrated by a gang claiming connections to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s elder brother. Bengaluru police disclosed on Tuesday that four individuals, including an employee of the horticulture department, have been apprehended in connection with the case.
The arrested suspects include Riyaz Ahmed (41) from Magadi Road, Tavarekere; Yusuf Subbekatte (47) from Malleshwaram, Bengaluru; Chandrappa C (44) from Kalasa, Chikkamagaluru; and H Rudraiah (35) from Haroshivanahalli, Kanakapura. Chandrappa serves as an assistant at the Chikkamagaluru horticulture office. Additionally, associates Chetan, Mahesh, Rudresha, and Harshavardhan have been implicated in the First Information Report (FIR).
The victim, Neelamma M Belamagi, met Riyaz Ahmed in June last year, who promised her a KPSC membership in exchange for Rs 20 crore. Ahmed claimed to have connections with Narendra Modi’s brother and assured her of securing the post. Subsequently, Belamagi encountered Yusuf Subbekatte at an office in Malleswaram, where she handed over Rs 4.1 crore in installments, trusting their assurances.
To further deceive her, the perpetrators provided forged KPSC appointment letters, allegedly endorsed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and fabricated meeting minutes between the CM’s office and Raj Bhavan. Belamagi realized the scam when she visited the KPSC office to inquire about her assumed role and subsequently filed a complaint with Bengaluru city police in March.
Investigations revealed Yusuf Subbekatte’s prior arrest and pending charges of fraud. Additionally, authorities have requested documentation from Belamagi to substantiate her sources of income. Belamagi, a lecturer, claimed to have received funds from relatives and acquaintances, although police have requested supporting evidence.
The Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) is a government entity responsible for recruiting civil servants through competitive and departmental examinations in the state.
