Mangaluru: Fresh fraud allegations against Soumya; youth claims he was duped on pretext of marriage

Mangaluru: Fresh fraud allegations against Soumya; youth claims he was duped on pretext of marriage

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 1, 2026: Amid serious allegations by the parents of deceased businessman Sudeep Rai Nelyadi against his wife Soumya Shetty, another youth has come forward claiming that he too was cheated by the same woman under the pretext of marriage.

At a press conference held by Sudeep’s parents at the Mangaluru Press Club, a youth identified as Venugopal Shetty (Venu) from Mulki levelled several allegations against Soumya Shetty.

“Soumya Shetty got in touch with me through Instagram in June 2024 and proposed marriage. Though I was aware that she had been previously married and divorced, I agreed, hoping to help her rebuild her life, and convinced my family as well. We fixed the wedding date and made arrangements, spending lakhs on the hall, catering and photography,” Venu said.

“She had initially asked me not to post photos until the wedding, but agreed after the date was fixed. Within hours of me posting pictures on social media, I started receiving several calls. A woman from the film industry warned me that Soumya had already married two others and advised me not to ruin my life. Initially, I trusted her and argued with those who called, but after learning the truth, I went to her house and called off the wedding,” he said.

He further alleged that Soumya had married a man named Sanjay, who had helped her in a divorce case, and lived with him for one and a half years, while falsely claiming he was just a friend.

“When the wedding was cancelled, she created a scene by calling her father. My father also called me and asked me not to leave her. Respecting his words, I took her to my sister’s house in Karkala instead of bringing her home,” he added.

Venu claimed that Soumya frequently picked fights during her stay there and even created a scene at the hospital when his mother, who suffers from kidney issues, was admitted. “She accused me of neglecting her for my family. There was a major altercation, and the police had to intervene. A police officer known to me warned that there were already complaints against her and advised me to stay away,” he said.

Unable to bear the alleged harassment and blackmail, Venu said he sought legal advice. “A lawyer who knew her background advised me to file a complaint through my sister and stay away for some time. Following his advice, I had to hide in Mumbai for one and a half months to escape her,” he said.

Expressing concern, Venu said, “Now a young man, Sudeep, has lost his life. We don’t know how many others have been cheated by her. She uses people’s weaknesses to threaten them. Sudeep’s mother is in tears today. Those who have been cheated by her should come forward. Justice must be done in Sudeep’s death, and her alleged honeytrap network must be exposed.”