Sullia: Three sentenced in benefit scheme fraud case

Sullia: Three sentenced in benefit scheme fraud case

Mangalore Today News Network

Sullia, Nov 5, 2025: A court in Sullia has sentenced three individuals in connection with a fraud case involving a so-called “Benefit Scheme” operated under the names Sri Tatvamasi Charitable Trust (R) and Sri Tatvamasi Enterprises (R). The convicted persons have been identified as K.P. Ganesh, Geetha K.S., and Bharathi.

Others accused in the case — K.P. Krishnappa Gowda, Geetha Ganesh, N.E.Y. Kamalaksha, and K. Nagesh — were acquitted due to lack of evidence, while the case against another accused, Shivaprakash, was closed following his death.

In 2013, the accused had established the institutions at Samruddhi Complex near Ambadadka, Vivekananda Circle in Sullia Kasaba village. They opened an electronics store at Gandhinagar, Sullia, and launched a “benefit scheme” under the organisation’s name. Through agents, thousands of people were enrolled as members, and crores of rupees were collected from the public.

However, without providing any of the promised goods or returns to the members, the accused misappropriated a total of ₹3,08,62,500. A case was registered at the Sullia Police Station, and after investigation, a chargesheet was filed against eight individuals.

The trial was held before Senior Civil Judge and JMFC B. Mohan Babu, who on October 30 declared three of the accused guilty. On November 3, the court sentenced them to three years of simple imprisonment under IPC Sections 406 and 149, and an additional three years of simple imprisonment under IPC Sections 409, 420, and 149, along with a fine of ₹10,000 each. In case of non-payment of the fine, they will have to undergo an additional six months of simple imprisonment.