The city police are on the hunt for a 57-year-old man who claimed he was a close associate of former chief minister Siddaramaiah and promised government jobs to many people.

The accused, identified as A D Yeshwantappa, who works as a first division assistant (FDA), cheated people to the tune of Rs 8.5 lakh. Yeshwantappa is a native of Kodderahalli in Honnalli taluk, Davanagere.

One of his victims, G D Mukundappa, filed a complaint with the Byatarayanapura police, alleging that the accused took over Rs 8 lakh from him, promising to get him a job as FDA in the Silk Board. However, Yeshwantappa did not get him a job even after four years and failed to return the money.

The Byatarayanapura police said Yeshwantappa has gone missing since the complaint was filed against him. He faces a similar complaint at the Honnali police station.

"We're gathering information and (the accused) will be caught very soon," police said.