Bengaluru: Couple target temple-goers and defraud them of Rs 34 lakh

Prakash along with his wife Madhu had an outward appearance of being do gooders. They resided in the Vidyaranyapura region of Bengaluru. But their modus operandi for earning money is shocking to say the least.  They would visit temples every morning. Their targets were people who looked visibly distressed and in need of assistance. They adorned themselves with fake jewellery to create an impression on their targets that they are affluent. 

They would establish a connection with their targets. They would then inform them that they are in touch with prominent companies and that they can secure employment as well as a sizable salary to the targets. The couple would then convey to their targets that the companies in question are demanding money as security in order to provide employment. Through these means they accumulated Rs 34 lakh from various victims in the Vidyaranyapura region. They later fled from Vidyaranyapura. The number provided to the victims would intermittently be on and off. The Vidyaranyapura police became active after a complaint was filed and traced them through the mobile number which was provided. During the interrogation the police uncovered that the money was used to buy jewellery. The police have seized their mobile phone, debit card, the fake jewellery used for scamming and the real jewellery purchased after scamming.