Discount trap: Film producer cheated of ₹18 lakh in fake Christian missionary car scheme

Bengaluru-based film producer Prashant alleges a well-planned fraud by a woman and her gang, who first gained his trust with emotional appeals and later cheated him using a fake discount investment story, followed by threats.

In a shocking case of cheating and intimidation, Bengaluru-based film producer and PK Films owner Prashant, known for producing the film Abhisaarike, has filed a complaint at Konanakunte Police Station, accusing a woman and her associates of cheating him of ₹18 lakh under the pretext of a discounted car distribution scheme linked to a Christian missionary.

According to the complaint, the accused woman Pooja alias Bhagavathi, along with her associates Veena, Selvakumar, Shyam, and Vinod, allegedly carried out a carefully planned fraud by first emotionally manipulating the producer and later trapping him with a fake investment offer.

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The case reportedly began when Pooja approached Prashant claiming her sister was in serious financial distress. Moved by the situation, the producer immediately transferred ₹1.50 lakh to help her. A few days later, the same woman met him again with a new proposal, claiming that a Christian missionary organisation was distributing cars to poor families. She said that by paying half the vehicle cost, investors could get 50% ownership in the car, and once the full amount was paid by beneficiaries, the investor would recover the money.

Trusting her, Prashant allegedly transferred ₹18 lakh through Google Pay and PhonePe to multiple bank accounts belonging to the accused, including those of Veena, Selvakumar, Shyam, and Vinod. However, after receiving the money, the group reportedly turned hostile.

Instead of returning the amount or fulfilling the promise, the accused allegedly denied receiving any funds and began threatening the producer, warning him of serious consequences if he demanded his money back. The harassment and intimidation forced Prashant to approach the police and a complaint has been filed. 

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