Bengaluru: Woman posing as politician’s associate loots 3 kg gold

Team Udayavani, Dec 22, 2024, 12:21 PM IST

Bengaluru: A woman has been arrested by the Commercial Street police for allegedly defrauding a jewellery store by claiming to be an associate of former minister Varthur Prakash and stealing nearly 3 kg of gold.

Police said the accused, identified as Shweta Gowda (26), a resident of Bagalakunte, was apprehended in Mysuru. The police have seized gold, a car, and other valuables from her possession.

Meanwhile, Varthur Prakash has been issued a notice to appear for questioning in connection with the case. Responding to this, Prakash stated that he would appear before the police on Monday.

According to the complaint filed by the owner of Navaratna Jewellers on Commercial Street, the accused posed as an associate of Varthur Prakash and expressed her intention to purchase gold ornaments for her new jewellery business. Trusting her, the store agreed to her request to take the ornaments home for display.

Between August 26 and December 8, the jewellery store staff delivered approximately 2.945 kg of gold worth Rs 2.42 crore to an address provided by the accused.

When Shweta failed to make any payment or return the jewellery, Sanjay demanded that she either return the ornaments or settle the payment. However, Shweta allegedly threatened him, the complaint said.

Tracing her travel details, police arrested Shweta from Mysuru.

In this case, Shweta allegedly used the address of Varthur Prakash’s house in Dollars Colony and acquired 2.945 kg of gold. Due to her claims, the police have also issued a notice to Varthur Prakash to assist in the investigation.

This is not her first offence, as she was previously arrested by the Yelahanka police for a similar fraud involving gold.

Varthur Prakash Denies Involvement

Reacting to the incident, former minister Varthur Prakash stated that the accused had introduced herself as a social activist three months ago. “I have had no contact with her since then. I am not aware of her purchasing any jewellery. The jewellery store owner also did not inform me. I have no information regarding her transactions or the ornaments. I came to know about the complaint through the police. I will appear for the inquiry on Monday,” he said.