Mangaluru: Fresh allegations of fraud and deception have surfaced against Soumya Shetty, even as the family of deceased businessman Sudeep Rai Nelyadi continues to seek answers regarding his death. A youth from Mulki has now come forward, claiming that he too was allegedly cheated by the same woman under the pretext of marriage.
At a press conference organised by Sudeep’s parents at the Mangaluru Press Club, the youth, identified as Venugopal Shetty (Venu), detailed his experience and accused Soumya of manipulation, emotional harassment, and financial exploitation.
Alleged relationship initiated through social media
According to Venu, his interaction with Soumya began in June 2024 through Instagram. He claimed that she approached him first and proposed marriage. Despite being aware of her past marriage and divorce, Venu said he agreed to the proposal, believing he could support her in rebuilding her life.
He further stated that he convinced his family and proceeded with wedding arrangements. “We finalised the wedding date and spent lakhs on booking the hall, catering, and photography,” he said, highlighting the extent of financial commitment made by his family.
Doubts raised after social media post
Venu alleged that Soumya initially insisted that he refrain from posting their photos online until after the wedding. However, she later agreed once the date was finalised. Trouble began shortly after he shared pictures on social media.
“Within hours of posting, I began receiving calls from unknown people. One woman from the film industry warned me that Soumya had already married two other men,” he claimed. Though initially dismissive of the warnings, Venu said he eventually verified the claims and confronted Soumya.
Following this, he called off the wedding and visited her residence to end the relationship.
Claims of multiple marriages and concealment
Venu further alleged that Soumya had previously married a man named Sanjay, who had reportedly assisted her in a divorce case. He claimed that she lived with him for about one and a half years while allegedly misrepresenting him as merely a friend.
These revelations, according to Venu, raised serious concerns about her credibility and intentions.
Escalation of disputes and police intervention
Despite cancelling the wedding, Venu said the situation did not end peacefully. He alleged that Soumya created a scene by involving her father, following which his own family intervened and urged him not to abandon her.
Respecting his father’s wishes, Venu said he temporarily accommodated Soumya at his sister’s house in Karkala. However, he claimed that frequent arguments followed.
“She picked fights regularly and even created a disturbance at the hospital when my mother, who has kidney issues, was admitted,” he said. According to him, the dispute escalated to such an extent that police intervention was required.
Venu also claimed that a police officer known to him warned that multiple complaints had already been filed against Soumya and advised him to distance himself from her.
Allegations of harassment and fear
Venu alleged that he faced sustained harassment and threats, which forced him to seek legal counsel. Acting on a lawyer’s advice, he said he filed a complaint through his sister and temporarily left the area.
“I had to stay in Mumbai for one and a half months to avoid further trouble,” he stated, adding that he feared escalation if he remained accessible.
Link to Sudeep Rai Nelyadi case
The fresh allegations come at a time when the death of Sudeep Rai Nelyadi has already triggered serious accusations from his family against Soumya Shetty. While the circumstances surrounding Sudeep’s death remain under scrutiny, his parents have alleged foul play and called for a thorough investigation.
Venu expressed concern that there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. “A young man has lost his life. We don’t know how many others have been cheated. Those affected should speak up,” he urged.
Call for investigation and accountability
The emerging claims have intensified public attention on the case, with growing demands for a comprehensive probe into the allegations against Soumya Shetty. While these claims remain allegations at this stage, they underline the need for due legal scrutiny.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement addressing the new accusations. Meanwhile, legal experts note that multiple complaints, if substantiated, could lead to serious criminal charges.
Conclusion
The situation continues to evolve as more individuals come forward with their accounts. With mounting allegations and a death already under investigation, the case has taken a complex turn. Whether these claims hold under legal examination will depend on the outcome of a thorough and impartial inquiry.