Fraud Alert
Rs 13K Salary, BMW Owner, Luxury Flat for Girlfriend: Fraudster’s Rs 21 Crore Scam on Govt Funds
In a shocking revelation from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, a man earning a modest salary of Rs 13,000 per month was found leading a lifestyle far beyond his means. The accused, identified as Harsh Kumar Kshirsagar, not only owned a luxury BMW car but had also gifted a lavish 4BHK apartment to his girlfriend. The source of this extravagant lifestyle, however, was a massive fraud scheme amounting to Rs 21.59 crore.
The Fraud Unveiled
Harsh Kumar, a contract employee at the Departmental Sports Complex in Sambhajinagar, allegedly siphoned off Rs 21.59 crore in government funds through internet banking fraud. The audacity of the scam left everyone stunned, as Kumar and his accomplices used forged documents to transfer funds into their personal accounts.
Investigations revealed that Harsh, along with two other individuals—Yashoda Shetty, a clerk, and her husband BK Jeevan—executed the fraud over several months. The funds were diverted from an account at Indian Bank meant for government use. The transactions required cheques signed by the Deputy Sports Director, but the accused reportedly fabricated the necessary documents to gain access to the account.
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Lavish Expenditures
The ill-gotten wealth funded an opulent lifestyle. Harsh Kumar purchased a BMW car and bike, and commissioned a diamond-encrusted spectacle from a renowned city jeweler. He also gifted his girlfriend a 4BHK flat in a prime location near the airport. Meanwhile, Jeevan, another accused, bought a Rs 35 lakh SUV with the stolen money.
Delayed Detection
Shockingly, the fraudulent activities went unnoticed for six months. The case came to light after Nandigram Colony Sports Officer, Tejas Deepak Kulkarni, lodged a formal complaint. By this time, the accused had already laundered a significant amount of money.
Police Investigation
The police investigation revealed that Harsh Kumar was hired by Disha Facilities Private Limited as a contract operator in February 2022, while Yashoda Shetty was appointed by Web Multi Services as a clerk in 2023. Both individuals exploited their positions to activate internet banking for the account and embezzled government funds.
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Current Status
The prime accused, Harsh Kumar, is currently absconding, reportedly fleeing with the SUV. Law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing the case to ensure justice is served.
This case highlights the need for stringent financial oversight and regular audits in government operations to prevent such shocking misappropriations of public funds.
