Popular Finance scam: Owners absconding after taking Rs 2,000-cr from investors

coastaldigest.com news network
August 27, 2020

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Konni, Aug 27: Investors may lose around Rs 2,000 after the owners of Kerala’s Popular Finance shut down the firm and went underground.

With the increasing number of complaints against the firm and its owners, a special team has been appointed to investigate the matter. However, the owner filed an insolvency petition in the court the other day.

Popular Finance had 274 branches inside and outside. Though the company had been working well, a sudden financial crisis led to its collapse.

The company was owned by Roy (Thomas) Daniel, his wife Prabha and their family residing in Vakayar. Two weeks ago, the family shut the company’s registered office in Vakayar and went absconding. Based on complaints from the investors, Konni police registered a cheating case against Roy and Prabha. It is learned that the company owes money to over 1,500 people including NRIs.

As the registered office was closed, investors started reaching other branches demanding their money back. Following this, the other branches are also being closed down. K G Simon pointed out that the firm does not have the resources to return all the money to the investors. More investigations are being held into other firms owned by the family.

People had invested between Rs 10,000 and Rs 80,000 in the company. Most of them made the investments for constructing houses, for marriage and to earn income after retirement. The investors said that they were paid interests properly until last month.

Those who deposited smaller amounts in the company raised complaints first. Many of those who have invested huge sums in the firm are yet to register complaints. Police have received proof that the company was not functioning properly for the last four years.

Alerts have been sounded in airports to prevent the owners from escaping to foreign countries. Konni CI P. S. Rajesh is in charge of the investigation. Popular Finance was founded in 1965 by T. K Daniel, father of Roy.

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News Network
January 8,2025

Bengaluru: In a sweeping anti-corruption operation, the Karnataka Lokayukta conducted simultaneous raids on the properties of eight government officials across eight districts on Wednesday. The raids, part of ongoing investigations into disproportionate assets cases, targeted over 20 locations linked to these officials.

According to Lokayukta sources, the coordinated operation spanned Bengaluru, Mandya, Bidar, Belagavi, Tumakuru, Gadag, Ballari, and Raichur. Properties of the following officials were under scrutiny:

Shobha – Joint Commissioner, Bengaluru Transport Department

S. N. Umesh – Health and Family Welfare Officer, Kadur

Ravindra – Inspector, Minor Irrigation and Groundwater Development Sub-Division, Bidar

Prakash Sridhar Gaikwad – Tahsildar, Khanapur

S. Raju – Retired RTO Officer, Tumakuru

Huchesh alias Huchappa – Assistant Executive Engineer, Gadag Municipality

R. H. Lokesh – Welfare Officer, Backward Class Department, Ballari

Huliraja – Junior Engineer (Electric), Raichur

Lokayukta officials are thoroughly examining documents, assets, cash, and other valuables found during the raids.

This operation is the Lokayukta’s first major crackdown in 2025. Notably, on December 12, the watchdog had unearthed disproportionate assets worth Rs 48.55 crore in raids on properties belonging to 10 government officials.

The Lokayukta’s intensified efforts signal its commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring accountability among government officials.

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News Network
January 18,2025

Sullia, Jan 18: In a shocking incident, a man shot his wife dead during a fit of rage over a minor argument and later took his own life by consuming poison. The heartbreaking event unfolded late Friday night in Kodimajalu in Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada.

The accused, identified as Ramachandra Gowda alias Chandra (53), used his licensed firearm to commit the crime. His wife, Vinoda (43), tragically lost her life in the incident.

On the fateful night, Ramachandra reportedly started an argument with his family after dinner over a trivial matter. The heated exchange escalated, and in a fit of uncontrollable anger, he allegedly aimed his firearm at his elder son, Prashanth. Vinoda intervened to prevent the attack, attempting to wrest the gun from Ramachandra.

However, enraged by her intervention, Ramachandra turned the gun on Vinoda and shot her, leaving her dead on the spot. Overwhelmed by the gravity of his actions, he consumed acid, commonly used for rubber processing, to end his own life.

Based on Prashanth’s statement, a case has been registered at the Sullia police station. The tragic sequence of events has left the village in shock and mourning, raising concerns about the unchecked escalation of domestic disputes.

This devastating incident underscores the importance of addressing domestic tensions before they spiral into irreversible tragedies.

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News Network
January 7,2025

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Mangaluru: A tragic road accident claimed the life of a young medical store owner on Monday, January 6, near Tiblapadavu, Natekallu, located on the outskirts of the city.

The victim, identified as 25-year-old Ausaf, was the proprietor of Hajira Medicals and the son of Jaleel, a resident of Derlakatte. 

The unfortunate incident unfolded as Ausaf was riding his bike from Derlakatte toward Tiblapadavu. Upon approaching a divider near Tiblapadavu, a lorry made a sudden turn, resulting in a collision between the motorbike and the rear of the lorry. Ausaf succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Having completed his education a few years ago, Ausaf had taken up the responsibility of managing Hajira Medicals at Derlakatte Junction. He was well-known in his community for his dedication and service.

Authorities at the Mangaluru South Traffic Police Station have registered a case, and CCTV footage capturing the incident is under review. The tragic loss has left the local community in shock, mourning the untimely demise of a promising young entrepreneur. 

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