Bengaluru:
A shocking insurance fraud has come to light in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district, where police uncovered a plot involving the cold-blooded murder of a disabled man to claim insurance worth ₹5.25 crore. The accused allegedly staged a motorcycle crash to make the death appear accidental.
Disabled man targeted for fraud
The victim, identified as 34-year-old Gangadhar, was reportedly paralysed on his left side following a stroke three years ago. He was lured by a gang that promised him help and later used him to execute a meticulously planned fraud. Investigations revealed that the accused had taken multiple life insurance policies in Gangadhar’s name, naming themselves as nominees.
Fake marriage and staged accident
Police said the accused, including a woman named Huligemma, posed as Gangadhar’s wife to validate the insurance claims. They even registered a fake marriage certificate to make the documentation appear legitimate. After securing policies from various insurers, the gang hatched a plan to kill him and claim the insurance money.
According to investigators, Gangadhar was taken to the outskirts of Hosapete, where he was murdered using blunt objects. His body was then placed on a rented Bajaj Excel motorcycle, which the gang rammed with a car to simulate a road accident. To make the scene convincing, they left the body by the roadside, hoping police would record it as an accident.
Investigative breakthrough
The plot unravelled when officers from the Vijayanagara police noticed inconsistencies in the scene. The motorcycle key was found in a pouch rather than near the ignition, raising suspicion. Forensic examination also revealed that the injuries on Gangadhar’s body were not consistent with a road crash.
Further investigation exposed that the accused had opened bank accounts in the victim’s name, paid insurance premiums, and appointed themselves as beneficiaries. Police confirmed that at least six people were involved in the conspiracy.
Key accused and arrests
Those arrested include Krishnappa, Ravi, Ajeya, Riyaz, Yogaraj Singh, and Huligemma. Among them, Yogaraj Singh, reportedly an Axis Bank employee, is believed to be the mastermind. He allegedly identified vulnerable individuals, including orphans and persons with disabilities, as potential targets for fake insurance schemes.
Police suspect that the same group may have been involved in similar insurance scams across the state. The authorities are now coordinating with insurance companies to verify other suspicious policies linked to the accused.
Ethical and systemic concerns
The case has raised questions about the ease with which fraudulent insurance policies can be obtained. Experts argue that such incidents underline the need for stronger verification mechanisms in the insurance sector and better monitoring by financial institutions.
Vijayanagara Superintendent of Police said the case highlights a “disturbing exploitation of the vulnerable for financial gain.” He added that efforts are underway to track other members who might be connected to the racket.
Conclusion
The grisly incident has not only shocked Karnataka but also exposed a dangerous trend where criminals exploit insurance loopholes for profit. Police continue to investigate possible links between this case and other similar deaths reported in recent months.