3 brothers from Dharwad held in UP for Rs 400-cr scam

May 31, 2017

Bengaluru, May 31: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) sleuths have arrested three brothers, the prime suspects in a Rs 400-crore scam involving Harsha Entertainment Pvt Ltd (HEPL) based in Kalghatgi in Dharwad district.

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Harsha Khasnis alias Satyabodha, Sanjeev Khasnis and Shrikant Khasnis were picked up from a hotel in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday and were subsequently arrested. They were brought to Karnataka and produced before a court in Dharwad on Tuesday. The court remanded them in police custody for eight days for further interrogation. Brothers, who floated the HEPL, were on the run since April 11, 2017.

The Khasnis brothers were small-time moneylenders when they started the business in 2005. The business grew rapidly and they started taking deposits from the public. They collected more than Rs 400 crore from the public?by promising monthly returns of 7%. They said the money would be invested in the stock market and film production. Agents were hired to collect deposits from the public and were given a commission. A large number of people, including government employees, from Dharwad, Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Gadag, Haveri, Vijayapura and Davangere districts had invested in the firm. Some of the depositors had even taken loans for investing in HEPL.

The brothers invested in 10 films. Their plans went well till the demonetisation in November 2016. Post-demonetisation, they found it difficult to manage their business. So, they called a meeting of investors and sought time for making the payments.

The trio wound up the company on April 11 and vanished with investors' money and documents. The victims filed complaints with the Kalghatgi police who registered cases under IPC sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 406 and 408 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and Section 9 of the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act, 2004 (Fraudulent Default by Financial Establishment).

The police arrested four employees of HEPL, Ramachandra, Vadiraja, Mahesh and Shambulingha, after a case was registered.

Considering large sums of money involved in the scam, the government handed over the case to CID to ensure justice to victims. The police conducted searches in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to nab the trio.

Now, the CID sleuths have requested victims cheated by the trio to contact the CID (9480800184/ 94808-00103/[email protected]) and share the details.

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News Network
December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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December 15,2025

Udupi, Dec 15: What was meant to be a post-pilgrimage gathering turned tragic in Padukere village of Brahmavar taluk, Udupi district, late Sunday night, when a clash among youths escalated into a fatal assault, leaving one man dead.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Santosh Mogaveera, a resident of Padukere.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place during a late-night drinking party involving a group of local youths who had recently returned after completing their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala shrine. An argument reportedly broke out among the group and soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

During the ensuing brawl, Santosh Mogaveera was allegedly assaulted and collapsed at the spot after sustaining serious injuries. He was rushed by local residents to a private hospital in Brahmavar, where doctors declared him dead.

On receiving information, senior police officials, including Brahmavar Circle Inspector Gopikrishna, Kota Police Sub-Inspector Praveen Kumar T, Station ASI Manthesh Jabagoudar, and head constables Pradeep and Ashok, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.

Police have taken four youths into custody in connection with the incident. A case has been registered at the Kota police station, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the death.

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December 4,2025

Udupi: A 40-year-old NRI from Udupi has reportedly lost more than Rs 12.25 lakh in an online investment scam operated through Telegram.

According to a complaint filed at the CEN police station, Leo Jerome Mendonsa, who has been working in Dubai for the past 15 years in computer accessories sales, maintains NRI accounts in Karkala and Nitte.

On November 12, 2025, Mendonsa was added to a Telegram group called Instaflow Earnings by unknown individuals. Users identified as Priya and Dipannita persuaded him to invest in “Revenue Tasks.” Initially, Mendonsa transferred Rs 1,100 multiple times and received the promised returns, encouraging him to continue.

On November 14, another user, Nishmitha Shetty, directed him to register on a website, digitvisionuoce.cc, and invest Rs 4 lakh in various shares. Over the next few days, he made multiple transfers totaling Rs 12,25,000, including Rs 50,000 via Google Pay, believing the scheme was legitimate.

After receiving the money, the alleged handlers stopped responding, and neither the invested amount nor the promised profits were returned.

The CEN police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act and Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and investigations are ongoing.

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