Two men have been arrested in Karnataka’s Mysuru district for allegedly exploiting a factory worker who lay unconscious after a road accident and stealing ₹80,000 from his bank account using UPI fraud, police said.

Accident after night shift

The victim, Ganesh, was returning home on his two-wheeler after completing a night shift at a factory in Kadakola, on the outskirts of Mysuru, in the early hours of December 17. Police said a dog suddenly crossed the road, causing him to lose control of his vehicle and fall, leaving him injured and unconscious on the roadside.

The accident reportedly occurred around 1.34 am, with no immediate help available at the isolated stretch.

Help turns into betrayal

According to investigators, two men approached Ganesh pretending to help him reach a hospital. Taking advantage of his vulnerable condition, they allegedly took his mobile phone and forcibly obtained his UPI PIN. The accused then transferred ₹80,000 from Ganesh’s bank account through three separate transactions.

After committing the fraud, the men abandoned Ganesh at the accident spot, leaving behind his mobile phone, and fled.

Victim found hours later

It was around 3 am that a co-worker from the same factory noticed Ganesh lying injured on the road and rushed him to JSS Hospital for medical treatment. Doctors confirmed that he had sustained injuries but was stable after receiving timely care.

Complaint leads to swift arrests

Ganesh’s brother, Ankanayaka B S, a resident of Benkipura village in Hunsur taluk, filed a complaint at the Mysuru district CEN police station on December 19. Acting on the complaint and analysing digital transaction trails, police arrested the accused within days.

The arrested men have been identified as Ramesh G (25) and Manu (25), both residents of Mysuru. Police said the stolen amount had been transferred to the bank account of one Pallavi V. The entire ₹80,000 has since been recovered from the accused.

Police issue caution to public

Police officials warned citizens to remain vigilant, especially during late-night travel, and advised people never to share UPI PINs under any circumstances. They also urged the public to immediately alert emergency services or police control rooms when encountering injured persons on the road.

The case highlights a disturbing misuse of digital payment systems and the risks faced by lone workers travelling at night.