Former minister Varthur Prakash appears before police in gold cheating case

BENGALURU: Former Minister Varthur Prakash appeared before the police for questioning today in connection with a case involving a woman cheating the gold merchant. The Commercial Street police are conducting the inquiry.

The police had already issued a notice to Varthur Prakash and arrested the cheat, Shwetha, in connection with the case. Shwetha had allegedly purchased gold from a merchant dropping Varthur Prakash’s name and gave the residential address of the former minister. She told him that he will pay the bill. The owner realized the cheating when he went to meet Varthur Prakash at his house.

Varthur Prakash had said that he had nothing to do with the business. Therefore, the shop owner had filed a complaint with the Commercial Street police station. Against this backdrop, Varthur Prakash had been given a notice to appear for questioning today.

The police investigation has revealed that Shwetha was in constant contact with Varthur Prakash over the phone. Additionally, CCTV footage and call records have been seized by the police.

A few days ago, Shwetha had visited Navaratna Jewellers on Commercial Street and met owner Sanjay Bhashna. She had said that she wanted to start a gold jewellery business and would buy jewellery from him. Sanjay had also agreed to this. Believing her words, he had initially sent the jewellery to the home address given by Shweta two or three times.

Having gained her trust, Shweta finally bought 2.945 kg of gold and diamond jewellery worth Rs 2.42 crore from Navaratna Jewellers and cheated the owner. Shwetha had also threatened the gold merchant when he demanded payment. The merchant, Sanjay, had filed a complaint with the Commercial Street police station. She had promised to pay later but went absconding.

ACP Geetha is leading the investigation team. Shwetha was arrested in Mysuru based on technical evidence.The police have seized gold, a car, and other items from Shwetha. Further investigation is under way.