Bengaluru: Mangaluru man arrested for stealing laptops and mobiles to fund betting

A shocking case of betrayal has emerged from a private company in Bengaluru, where Subrahmanya Prasad (34), a Mangaluru native and former IT in-charge, allegedly stole laptops and mobile phones worth Rs 20 lakh to fuel his betting addiction. Employed for three years, Prasad resigned recently, only for the company to uncover his deceit during a stock audit. The discovery has left colleagues stunned, revealing a web of misconduct that included misappropriating company assets.

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Prasad exploited his position by ordering excess laptops, requesting 50 when only 25 were needed and selling the surplus, along with mobile phones, to outsiders. These items, sold with original bills at discounted rates, attracted buyers unaware of their illicit origin. His actions went unnoticed while he was active, as the company assumed operations ran smoothly. However, post-resignation, the stock check exposed the theft of 30 laptops and iPhones. Investigations revealed Prasad pawned his wife’s jewelry to sustain his gambling habit, leading to their separation.

The scam unraveled when the company verified inventory, finding a significant shortfall. Authorities suspect Prasad lost the stolen proceeds in betting, a habit that spiraled out of control. Parappana Agrahara Police Station has registered a case, and Prasad has been arrested. Police are probing the extent of his network and the total financial damage. His wife’s departure and the company’s shock underscore the personal and professional fallout.