Woman booked for allegedly cheating Beltangady man of ₹3.2 lakh on pretext of legal help

Mangalore Today News Network

Beltangady, June 21, 2025: A case has been registered at Punjalkatte police station against a Bengaluru-based woman, Sandhya Pavitra Nagaraj, for allegedly cheating a man by promising legal assistance and fraudulently collecting money.

The complaint was filed by K. Rajesh, a resident of Maladi, Madanthyar in Beltangady taluk. According to police sources, Sandhya came into contact with Rajesh through Facebook in 2024. She claimed to be working with a helpline that supports victims of fraud and stated that she had successfully resolved several legal cases filed against innocent individuals.

Rajesh, who had a case registered against him at Bantwal police station, sought her help. Sandhya allegedly assured him that she could have the case settled in the High Court but said it would require certain expenses. Over time, she reportedly collected ₹3.20 lakh from Rajesh in multiple installments.

However, even after the payment, the case remained unresolved. When Rajesh questioned her, Sandhya allegedly demanded additional money. Growing suspicious, he asked for documentation related to the court proceedings. It is alleged that Sandhya responded by threatening him.

Following this, Rajesh lodged a formal complaint at Punjalkatte police station. Police have registered a case under Sections 318(4) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and have begun an investigation into the matter.