Daijiworld Media Network – Kaup

Kaup, Apr 16: In a disturbing case of financial fraud, an elderly woman and her family were allegedly swindled of over Rs 56 lac by a tenant family that gained her trust and misused access to her bank accounts.

As per the complaint filed with the Kaup police, the incident came to light on March 26, when Reema, the daughter of the victim Revathi, received a distressing phone call from her mother. Revathi pleaded with Reema to urgently transfer Rs 5 lach to her NRO account at Union Bank’s Mooluru branch, threatening to take her own life if the money was not sent. Alarmed, Reema immediately transferred Rs 2 lac to her mother's NRO and NRE accounts at the same branch.

Kaup police station (file photo)

Concerned by the emotional state of her mother and unable to reach her again for clarification, Reema flew from Dubai to her hometown. Upon reviewing her mother’s financial records, she was shocked to discover a series of suspicious transactions amounting to Rs 56,40,392.

After Revathi regained some strength, Reema questioned her about the withdrawals. Revathi revealed that nearly two years ago, a family led by one Banuchandra Peddapalli had rented a house in the neighbourhood. Banuchandra, along with his parents, wife, and two daughters, had befriended Revathi, calling her ‘Amma’ and gradually earning her trust.

Banuchandra allegedly told Revathi that he did not have a bank account and requested permission to use hers for personal transactions. Believing his story, Revathi allowed him access to her account — a decision that reportedly led to the massive financial loss. It is alleged that Banuchandra, in collusion with his wife, siphoned off Rs 56,40,392 from her account over a period of time.

A case has been registered at the Kaup police station, and investigations are underway.