Hiding in UAE and Sri Lanka, former Karnataka govt officer accused in cheating cases arrested after 2 years

A police officer said that he was arrested on his arrival at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru after immigration officials flagged his passport.

A Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him by C K Achukattu police in southern Bengaluru, where the first case was registered on February 12, 2023.

The case involved Yogendra allegedly duping a person named Nandeesh G from Mallathahalli of Rs 17.03 lakh on promising a government job at Vidhana Soudha. After securing anticipatory bail, he violated bail conditions and failed to appear in court, prompting police to seek the cancellation of his bail.

While on bail, Yogendra was accused of defrauding another person identified as Rajakumar J from JC Nagar of Rs 43 lakh by attempting to sell him a site. However, the police later discovered that the property had an outstanding loan default, which he had concealed. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against him on July 3, 2023.

In another case registered on March 8, 2024, at VV Puram police station, Yogendra allegedly cheated a person named Venugopala P B from Belur of Rs 1.25 crore. He had promised Venugopala shares in two companies and investment opportunities in cryptocurrency.

As complaints mounted, an inquiry was launched against Yogendra, leading to his dismissal from service. To evade arrest, he fled to the UAE before moving to Sri Lanka.

He returned to Bengaluru from Colombo and was arrested by the police. Following his arrest, C K Achukattu police produced him before the court and was remanded in judicial custody. J C Nagar police have since secured a body warrant for his custody. Meanwhile, VV Puram police are expected to seek custody during court proceedings on Thursday.

The police are currently investigating Yogendra’s activities, suspecting more victims and fraud cases may come to light.