Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Nov 15: A case has been registered against the manager and a staff member of the Kavadi branch of Shiriyar Seva Sahakari Sangha in Sayadarkatte for allegedly swindling over Rs 1.70 crore from the society.

According to police, Suresh Bhat, the Kavadi branch in-charge manager, and junior clerk Harish Kulal were transferred to another branch on November 5 following a resolution by the society’s administrative board. When Rama, the new manager, assumed charge of the Kavadi branch from Suresh Bhat, a discrepancy of around Rs 1.70 crore in the branch’s collections came to light.

“During verification with the chief executive officer and office staff, it was discovered that Rs 1.70 crore had been misappropriated,” a police source said.

The investigation also revealed that Harish Kulal had previously pledged his gold ornaments at the Kavadi branch and taken a loan of Rs 21 lac. Upon re-examination, the pledged gold ornaments were found missing, further confirming fraudulent activity.

The complaint alleges that both Bhat and Kulal colluded to cheat the cooperative society and defraud its funds.

A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and investigations are ongoing.