An elderly individual named C Shivamurthy has taken legal action by filing a complaint against two alleged culprits, Revannasiddappa, aged 55, and NP Shekar, aged 45 in Karnataka’s Vijayanagara district. Shivamurthy asserts that he was deceived out of a substantial sum, amounting to ₹2.03 crore, through fraudulent promises of securing a BJP ticket for him in the recently concluded Karnataka assembly elections.
Shivamurthy’s narrative outlines a series of events where he was initially lured by Revannasiddappa, who persistently persuaded him with the assurance of a BJP ticket. Subsequently, Shekar was introduced into the equation, and the two individuals facilitated an introduction to BJP State President Nalin Kumar Kateel. The duo proceeded to extract money from Shivamurthy in eight installments, spanning from approximately August 2022 until the release of the BJP candidate list in 2023.
Within 15 days, NP Shekhar, a BJP leader from Puttur, was introduced to Shivamurthy at a Bangalore hotel. Revanasiddappa and NP Shekhar not only assured him of a BJP ticket but also suggested that he should prepare ₹50 lakh immediately.
On October 10, 2022, Revanasiddappa and NP Shekhar visited Shivamurthy’s home and collected ₹30 lakh in cash. Subsequently, on the 15th, NP Shekhar instructed him to deliver ₹20 lakh to Arjun B. Shetty, the car driver of Revanasiddappa, at Chitradurga Bypass Road. Shivamurthy complied with this request.
As security for the ₹50 lakhs, NP Shekhar gave Shivamurthy a check from Shekhar’s Bank of Baroda, on behalf of Arjun. In Bengaluru, Revanasiddappa received ₹15 lakhs twice, totaling ₹30 lakhs.
Shivamurthy detailed in his complaint that, as directed by N. P. Shekhar, he transferred a total of ₹37.78 lakhs from his bank account to the bank account of car driver Arjun B. Shetty between November 20 and February 22, 2023. Additionally, he deposited ₹16.75 lakhs from another person’s account.
He explained that he paid a total of ₹2.03 crores to Benakanahalli Revanasiddappa and Shekhar of Puttur with the expectation of receiving a BJP ticket. However, following the announcement of the election date, he demanded the return of his money. In response, he claimed that he was threatened with harm.
Shivamurthy alleged that he possessed bank check receipts and other documents as evidence of the money exchanges. He filed a complaint with the sub-inspector on October 19.
An FIR has been formally lodged against Revannasiddappa and NP Shekar, citing violations of sections 420, 505, and 34. Notably, the complainant alleges that both accused individuals are affiliated with the BJP.
Curiously, Shivamurthy delayed the filing of his complaint by six months, explaining that he had been patiently waiting for the duo to fulfill their promises and return his money. However, as their commitment remained unfulfilled, he decided to take legal recourse.
Shivamurthy recounted, “They assured me of their influential connections within the BJP and their ability to influence ticket allocation. Despite my persistent requests for a refund, they ceased communication, leaving me with no alternative but to initiate legal proceedings.”
In a bid for justice, the elderly man has additionally addressed a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking his intervention in the matter.
