A major political fraud case has emerged in Karnataka, where a woman from Mangaluru has alleged that she was cheated of ₹1.5 crore by a man who promised to get her a nomination as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). The accused allegedly posed as a media adviser to senior Congress leaders and showed photographs of prominent politicians to convince the woman of his influence within political circles.
According to the complaint, Yerriswamy, who introduced himself as a media adviser to influential Congress leaders, was identified as the main accused. Investigators say he convinced the woman that he had direct access to senior political figures and could facilitate her appointment to the Karnataka Legislative Council.
The complainant alleged that the accused gradually gained her confidence by showing her pictures of himself with some influential politicians. She said the photographs made her think that he was closely connected with influential politicians who could organise high-level political appointments.
Based on these representations, the accused allegedly promised that he could secure her an MLC seat if she paid a substantial amount of money. The complaint states that the two first had a deal worth ₹5 crore and he said that the amount would be required to ensure the nomination.
Police sources said the woman later transferred ₹1.5 crore to the accused in multiple instalments between August 2024 and January 2025, believing that the process to secure the MLC position was underway. She trusted the accused because of his repeated assurances and his claimed political influence.
In the meantime, months passed without any progress on the promised nomination. The woman finally realized that she had been deceived by the accused after he did not honour his promise and had stopped answering her questions.
The matter has now been presented to the police, who are investigating the allegations. Financial transactions, electronic communication, and other documentary evidence submitted by the complainant are now being investigated to verify the claims.
Investigators are also trying to determine whether the accused really held any official position with the Congress party or whether he falsely projected himself as a media adviser to gain the victim’s trust. The photographs taken by the accused are also likely to be verified, and the accused’s political influence will be taken into account.
Police are also looking into whether similar complaints have been made against the accused. They have not ruled out that more victims could have been targeted using the same method.
Legal professionals say that promising political appointments or public offices in exchange for money can result in serious criminal charges, including cheating, criminal breach of trust, impersonation, and conspiracy under the relevant provisions of Indian law. Specific offences will depend on the findings of the investigation.
In any case, it is just one more instance of fraudsters using political aspirations to obtain close connections with influential leaders. Citizens should be wary and verify who is willing to get into government posts, political nominations, and appointments in exchange for money.
Police have stressed that people need not believe that pictures with politicians or claims of political influence are enough to prove it.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have said that legal action will be taken when all the facts are clear.
