Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a shocking case of financial fraud, a government contractual employee earning a modest salary of ₹13,000 was found leading an extravagant lifestyle, driving luxury vehicles, and gifting a flat to his girlfriend. The opulence baffled acquaintances until an investigation uncovered a massive ₹21.59 crore scam.
The accused, Harsh Kumar Kshirsagar, allegedly conspired with others, including a fellow employee, to siphon off government funds from the departmental sports complex administration in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar using internet banking. The stolen money was used to purchase a BMW car, a BMW bike, and a luxurious 4BHK flat near the airport for his girlfriend. Reports also revealed he ordered custom diamond-studded glasses from a prominent jeweler in the city.
Another accused, the husband of a female contract worker linked to the scam, reportedly bought an SUV worth ₹35 lakhs. Preliminary investigations suggest Kshirsagar has absconded with the vehicle.
The fraud revolved around a government account at Indian Bank, set up for the sports complex. Transactions required cheques signed by the Deputy Sports Director, but the accused allegedly forged documents to activate internet banking. Using these facilities, they transferred large sums to personal accounts over six months before the fraud was detected.
Authorities uncovered the scheme after the Deputy Sports Director noticed discrepancies in the account. By then, the accused had already indulged in lavish expenditures, leaving behind traces of their ill-gotten wealth.
An investigation is underway, and police are searching for the absconding prime accused.