Fraud Case in Mangalore: Rs. 20.50 Lakhs Swindled by Fake Mudra Yojana Agent

In a troubling development in Mangalore, a case of significant financial fraud has emerged, involving an individual named Prakash Pujari. Pujari is accused of swindling a total of Rs. 20.50 lakhs from unsuspecting members of the public by falsely claiming to facilitate loans under the central government’s Mudra Yojana scheme. The case has been registered at the Kankanadi Nagar police station.

Prakash Pujari allegedly posed as an agent for the Mudra Yojana, which is a central government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. According to reports, Pujari approached various individuals with promises of securing substantial loans. Despite some initial rejections, such as by Anil, who was employed at an ice-cream parlour, Pujari managed to convince many others to pay upfront processing fees in exchange for the supposed loan approvals.

Pujari’s deceitful scheme involved requesting Rs. 1.50 lakhs from each victim under the pretext of processing expenses. After receiving the payments via NEFT from multiple victims, he failed to provide any loans and subsequently vanished. Reports indicate that Pujari’s mobile phone has been switched off, and his whereabouts are unknown, causing concern among his victims and their families.

The total sum defrauded in this case amounts to a staggering Rs. 20.50 lakhs. The losses have had a significant impact on the victims, many of whom are now struggling with the financial repercussions of the fraud. Further complicating the case, it has been alleged that Prakash Pujari’s wife and mother were also involved in the fraudulent activity. Reports suggest that they received money connected to the scam, raising concerns about the extent of their involvement and the overall operation of the fraudulent scheme.

The Kankanadi Nagar police station has initiated a thorough investigation into the case. Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for Prakash Pujari and attempting to locate him to bring him to justice. Additionally, the police are looking into the roles played by Pujari’s family members in the scam. The authorities have urged anyone with information about Pujari’s whereabouts to come forward and assist with the investigation. They are also advising the public to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of financial offers before making any payments.

This case highlights the importance of vigilance when dealing with financial transactions, especially those involving large sums of money and promises of loans or financial assistance. Individuals are encouraged to verify the authenticity of any agents or representatives claiming to offer financial services and to report any suspicious activities to the police. As the investigation continues, the affected individuals are left to grapple with the aftermath of the fraud. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for financial exploitation and the need for greater awareness and safeguards against such deceitful practices.

Victims and Financial Loss

The fraudulent activities led to financial losses for several individuals. Among the victims were:

• Anil, who lost Rs. 15 lakhs
• Disha D., who was defrauded of Rs. 1.50 lakhs
• Nayak, who lost Rs. 50 thousand
• Veda, who was cheated out of Rs. 1 lakh
• Swati M., who lost Rs. 4.50 lakhs
• Narendra Shetty, who was swindled of Rs. 5 lakhs
• Veena Naik, who lost Rs. 1 lakh
• Mahesh Mesta, who was defrauded of Rs. 1 lakh
• Karthik, who lost Rs. 1 lakh
• Leelavati, who was swindled of Rs. 2 lakhs
• Nityanand Mesta, who lost Rs. 1 lakh