Media Release

Mumbai, Jul 14: Former MLA Krishna Hegde met with Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti on Monday afternoon, seeking their intervention to protect the interests of investors duped in the Rs 170 cr Bliss Consultants share scam.

Hegde, who had earlier played a key role in freezing Rs 170 cr of investors’ funds lying in Kotak Bank and assets belonging to the directors of Bliss Consultants, raised alarm over a new twist in the case. A company named Denron Rea-IT has reportedly laid claim to Rs 160 cr from Bliss Consultants, despite no record of any business transaction between the two entities.

“This looks like a fresh attempt to defraud the already cheated investors,” said Hegde, pointing to the suspicious nature of Denron’s claim. He stated that the case, which was being heard in the Bombay High Court, has now been transferred to a district court in Pune.

Hegde revealed that both Dy CM Eknath Shinde and CP Deven Bharti have directed Mumbai Police to strongly oppose Denron Rea-IT’s claim in court. “I personally met Shinde ji and explained the situation. He promptly spoke to CP Bharti, after which I met the Police Commissioner myself. He has taken immediate action and issued clear instructions to his department,” Hegde said.

Ashesh Mehta and his wife Shivangi Lad Mehta the prime accused in the scam were arrested after a months-long manhunt. Mehta continues to remain in judicial custody.

Assuring continued efforts, Hegde emphasised, “We are doing our best to protect the interests of investors.”