MLA ticket cheating case: CCB police serve notices to 4 individuals

Team Udayavani, Sep 22, 2023, 9:14 AM IST

Chaitra Kundapura

Bengaluru: In the ongoing investigation into the case of cheating a businessman with false promises of MLA tickets, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) has issued notices to four individuals to attend the interrogation.

Pranav Prasad, a close associate of Halashree Swamiji, attended the interrogations on Thursday. Halashree Swamiji’s close aide Tippeswamy, T Manju of Kadur, and KPCC spokesperson Lakshman of Mysore are yet to respond.

Pranav Prasad reportedly denied any involvement in the fraud case. In his statement to CCB police, Prasad reportedly claimed that a bag was kept in his office by Raju, the driver of Swamiji. When the bag was checked when the news of the fraud case broke cash was found in the bag and it was returned to the Matha, he allegedly said.

So far, CCB police have confiscated a total of Rs 2.76 crore worth of assets from the accused, including Rs 56 lakhs delivered by Pranav Prasad to Halashree Mutt, along with gold ornaments, cash, car, FD from Chaitra.

It remains unclear under whose name Chaitra had booked the room at the Kumara Krupa Guest House. According to CCB sources, CCTV camera footage is being reviewed and booking entries are being verified.

Meanwhile, key accused Chaitra Kundapura, who previously hinted at revealing significant names, has fallen silent since Swamiji’s arrest. When questioned in the presence of Swamiji, Chaitra has not provided further information, sources said.

Meanwhile, the complainant in the case, Govinda Babu Poojary, faces additional scrutiny. Advocate Nataraj Sharma has lodged a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate, suspecting that the large sum involved may have come through illegal channels. Poojari however insists the funds were obtained from a bank loan.

City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda stated, “So far 8 accused have been arrested, they have been taken into custody and subjected to further interrogation. A total of Rs 2.76 crore including cash has been seized from the accused. In connection with the case, Pranav Prasad and Thippeswamy have been issued notices by the CCB. Only Pranav has attended the interrogation.”