A computer operator employed at a state-run sports complex in Maharashtra, earning a monthly salary of just Rs 13,000, has allegedly embezzled a staggering Rs 21 crore. The accused, Harshal Kumar Kshirsagar, reportedly used the funds to purchase luxury cars and a 4 BHK flat for his girlfriend. He is currently on the run, while police have arrested his colleague Yashoda Shetty and her husband BK Jeevan for allegedly aiding him in the scheme.
Details of the Fraudulent Activities
The investigation has revealed a meticulously planned operation by the 23-year-old Kshirsagar. He reportedly used an old letterhead from the sports complex to send an email to the bank, requesting a change in the email address linked to the complex’s account. By creating a new email account that was nearly identical to the original—differing by just one letter—he gained access to the bank account’s OTPs and other necessary information for transactions.
Once he had control, Kshirsagar activated the Internet banking facility for the divisional sports complex committee’s bank account. Between July 1 and December 7 of this year, he allegedly transferred Rs 21.6 crore into 13 different bank accounts.
Lavish Purchases and Ongoing Investigation
The funds were reportedly used to acquire a BMW car worth Rs 1.2 crore, an SUV costing Rs 1.3 crore, and a BMW motorcycle valued at Rs 32 lakh. Additionally, Kshirsagar gifted his girlfriend a luxurious 4 BHK flat near the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport and ordered a diamond-studded pair of glasses for her.
Authorities suspect that more individuals may be involved in this extensive fraud and are currently gathering documents related to the bank accounts used in the scheme. The luxury vehicles purchased with the embezzled funds have been seized as police continue their search for Kshirsagar.
The fraud came to light when a sports department official noticed financial irregularities and filed a complaint. Senior police officer Prashant Kadam confirmed that three individuals have been named in the FIR, stating, “Two accused have been arrested, one is on the run. Our teams are looking for the main accused.”
