Bizman duped of Rs 24L by 'revenue officer'

 A businessman from Kerala was duped of Rs 24 lakh by a man posing as a senior officer in the Central Board of Revenue.

The victim Hari Kumar, who is into cable manufacturing business, lodged a complaint with Gangammana Gudi police on Monday.

The complainant stated that he met the accused named Krishna Bethuram Gopi, aged around 50 years, during the funeral of one of his relatives in Dec 2013. The accused introduced himself as director general of Economic Intelligence Wing, Central Board of Revenue, New Delhi. He even gave him the visiting card and enquired about the business, said the police.

The accused suggested the Alappuzha-based businessman to expand his business and set up a branchin Bengaluru. Kumar was excited and told the accused that he would think about it and get back, added the police.

“After a few days, Kumar contacted the accused, who arranged a meeting in the City. Krishna Gopi and his associate Murthy showed Kumar a vacant shed on Old Airport Road. The duo asked the gullible Kumar to deposit Rs 39.9 lakh in various bank accounts. After a while, Krishna Gopi started ignoring Kumar and avoided his calls,” police officer said. 

Kumar soon realised that he was cheated. He met Gopi and asked him to return the money. He managed to get only Rs 15 lakh back. Krishna Gopi had printed business cards and had hung up nameplate outside his house to suggest that he was a senior officer in the Central Board of Revenue, the police said quoting complaint.  

Gangammana Gudi police have registered a case and the hunt is on to nab the accused.