Man held for duping 31 with Army canteen supply tenders to tune of Rs 4 crore
India Today
A man was arrested for duping 31 people with the Army canteen supply tenders to the tune of Rs 4 crore.
The Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police arrested K Venkata Krishna Murthy for allegedly committing fraud and causing financial losses to 31 innocent businessmen and companies.
A complaint was filed against Murthy with the Delhi Police earlier this month, wherein over 20 victims confirmed being scammed by the alleged conman. Collectively, the scam victims lost Rs 3,88 crore, they told police officials.
As per sources, "Alleged KVK Murthy and his associates, through his company, namely M/s Magnitech Engineers, induced and cheated them on the pretext that they will get them registered with various defence establishments [all over the country] under the "Make in India" scheme."
The arrested 58-year-old represented himself as a consultant in the defence sector, and promised suppliers that he could link them with Army canteens.
Also known as the Canteen Stores Department (CSDs), these establishments provide gadgets as well as essential and luxury products to the members of the Indian armed forces at subsidised rates. With thousands of units across India, these Army canteens are solely owned by the Indian government under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
"The accused promised to return the consultancy fees if his entity failed to arrange any orders within 6 months and gave post-dated cheques as security," the sources added.
Upon investigation, the police managed to identify offices run by Murthy, who studied chemical engineering in Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai, among other cities. The alleged conman was also found frequently changing his whereabouts.
