A 30-year-old graduate who was cheating people posing as a senior official with the State government was arrested by the Upparpet police on Thursday.
The suspect, N. Prasad, was allegedly posing as Vice-President of the ‘State Government, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department’.
He was nabbed based on a complaint by a person who was allegedly cheated by Prasad after being promised a government job. Prasad reportedly also claimed to assist people with land conversion and getting khatha.
Police found in his possession a Toyota Innova car bearing the Karnataka government emblem and a sticker advertising Prasad as an officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). He had letterheads, gate passes for Vidhana Soudha as well as entry passes to Legislators’ Home. A sticker and diary issued to Members of the Legislative Council was also recovered from him. Police said that Prasad is from Immadihalli near Whitefield and used to work for an IT firm. He was so convincing that even his driver thought he was an IAS officer.
A few weeks ago, he met Dhananjay to whom he promised a government job if he paid Rs. 10 lakh.
Dhananjay paid an advance of Rs. 5 lakh. But soon after the payment was made, Prasad stopped answering his calls.
Informing police
A suspicious Dhananjay enquired in the Chief Minister’s office and learnt that there is no IAS officer named Prasad, which made him approach the police.
Police sources say that they are investigating if he has cheated more people.
Sourcing of documents
Deputy Commissioner of Police (west) Labhu Ram said that they are investigating how Prasad sourced the documents. They are investigating the possibility of an insider in Vidhana Soudha helping Prasad procure the letterheads and passes.
After questioning Prasad, police picked up Mohan H.N. (32) as part of the investigation.
He had letterheads, gate passes for Vidhana Soudha as well as entry passes to Legislators’ Home
