A man was arrested on a charge of duping several persons, including over 20 women, after promising to secure offers for them in films and employment in various organisations.
The accused, Adari Ravi Kumar (40), posed as an advocate in the Andhra Pradesh High Court with high-level connections and collected over Rs. 5 crore. He also took their semi-nude photographs, after offering them food and beverages mixed with opium. He was arrested by the police on Thursday night. Assistant Commissioner of Police P. Ramachandra Rao said the accused was a native of Anakapalle but was presently living at Gopalapatnam in the city. He came close to women, mostly belonging to middleclass families, giving those offers which they could not refuse.
Investigation has revealed that Ravi Kumar had trapped over 20 women but so far only three came forward to lodge complaint. He had collected the money with offers of providing employment or a chance to act in films.
On realising that they were cheated, the victims demanded return of the money paid. He made them come to his flat on the plea of returning the money. He offered them ‘prasadam’ from holy places mixed with opium and other sedatives.
In one case, Ravi Kumar told one of his victims that a man from the film industry was planning to sell his flat in a gated community for Rs.40 lakh as against the market rate of Rs. 80 lakh as he needed money to complete his pending film.
In another case, the daughter of an SI gave him Rs.5 lakh for a job. Six victims, including three women, lodged complaints at the Maharanipeta, Three Town and MVP Colony Police Stations.
The accused had deceived the six victims to the tune of Rs.1 crore cash and 150 gm gold ornaments. Ravi Kumar took selfies with three women after they fell unconscious on the bed and sent a picture to the husband of a woman victim, creating discord in their marital life.
