New Delhi: A man posing as an IAS officer has been arrested for allegedly cheating a medical shop owner of Rs 41 lakh by promising a government contract under the National Health Mission.
The accused, Mithun KS, 28, from Chikkamagaluru, targeted Satish GR, 55, who runs a medical store named Shreyas near the post office in Kote Chikkamagaluru.
How the accused built trust
According to police, Mithun met Satish around three months ago through district surgeon Dr Chandrashekar. The doctor used to visit a clinic located behind the shop. Mithun often accompanied him and was introduced as an IAS officer posted at Arogya Soudha in Bengaluru and handling Chikkamagaluru district.
The doctor allegedly told Satish that Mithun could help him get a government order to supply medicines to primary health centres.
Money taken in parts
After gaining trust, Mithun claimed he was a probationary officer and promised a supply order worth Rs 1.8 crore. He demanded 20 per cent commission in advance and asked for Rs 36 lakh.
Police said Satish handed over the money on January 18 near Jakkur Aerodrome in the presence of the doctor. When no order came, Mithun later demanded Rs 5 lakh more. Satish transferred this amount to his bank account.
Fraud comes to light
Mithun told the victim that the order would take two to three months. However, there was no progress.
Satish later checked with officials in the health department and at Arogya Soudha. He then found that Mithun was not an IAS officer. After this, he approached the police.
Arrest and police action
Amruthahally police registered a case on April 11 under BNS Sections 318 and 319. They arrested Mithun soon after.
A police officer said Mithun often posed as IAS and IPS officers and even other professionals. He used photos with bureaucrats and politicians to show fake connections and gain trust before cheating people.