RAJKOT: A Karma Kandi Bhramin from Rajkot fell victim to a Rs 10 lakh fraud involving false promises of securing work contracts with various corporate entities in Kutch and Banaskantha districts.
In the Indian caste system, Karma Kandi Bhramins are respected scholars who conduct Vedic ceremonies according to ancient texts.
Ashok Dhandhiya filed a complaint at Rajkot's University police station against Hitesh Parmar and three accomplices under IPC sections 406, 420, and 120B.
The complainant stated that Parmar, a former colleague from 2006-07, contacted him in January after nearly twenty years. Dhandhiya disclosed his current occupation as a Karma Kandi Bhramin performing Vedic rituals.
Parmar claimed he relocated to Bhuj and operated a car rental service for corporations in Bhuj, Mundra, and Banaskantha. He enticed Dhandhiya by suggesting that companies offer lucrative annual contracts for Vedic ceremonies, promising to secure these contracts through his connections. The victim agreed to pursue the necessary documentation.
The complaint details that between January 21 and May 28, Dhandhiya paid Rs 9.94 lakh for various fabricated fees, including registration, tender, processing, and GST charges. To appear credible, Parmar orchestrated conference calls with individuals posing as company managers, who pressured Dhandhiya to transfer money quickly to secure contracts.
Upon realising the deception and receiving no contracts, Dhandhiya confronted the accused for reimbursement. After repeated delays and excuses, Parmar returned Rs 1.75 lakh in two payments, but only after the victim's brother-in-law threatened legal action.