Vijayanagara (Karnataka), Oct 3 (NationPress) - The Karnataka Police have dismantled a criminal syndicate implicated in the murder of a physically challenged individual, whom they attempted to present as a victim of an accident to fraudulently acquire a Rs 5.20 crore insurance policy taken out in his name.

Authorities revealed that the perpetrators had meticulously orchestrated their scheme and even submitted a claim through a fictitious spouse.

This incident was reported from Vijayanagara district and surfaced after a complaint was lodged by his legitimate wife, Sharadamma, leading to a thorough police inquiry.

Six individuals have been apprehended, including a woman posing as the deceased’s spouse.

The suspects include Huligemma (the false wife), Krishnappa from Koppal, Ravi and Ajay from Hospet, as well as Riyaz and Yograj Singh.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Gangadhar, originally from Jeeraganur village in Kampli taluk, and residing in Hospet.

Police have confiscated the vehicle and scooter utilized to execute the crime, with the investigation led by the Hospet Town Police Station.

Vijayanagara SP S. Jahnavi reported on Friday, “On September 28, we received an emergency call at 5:30 a.m. about a hit-and-run incident, with a body discovered on Sandur Road. I, along with officers, promptly visited the location, and after following due protocols, the body was transported. Once we confirmed the identity of the deceased, his wife, Sharadamma, a resident of Kaulpet in Hospet, was summoned to the police station, where she filed her complaint.”

SP Jahnavi elaborated, “The couple had been wed for six years. The deceased suffered a stroke three years ago, resulting in loss of control over the left side of his body. Gangadhar did not possess a two-wheeler, raising questions about the alleged hit-and-run incident, as noted by his wife.”

Authorities formed a special investigative team, successfully apprehending the suspects within a day.

The inquiry uncovered that the gang had taken out a life insurance policy worth Rs 5.20 crore in the deceased's name, conspiring to stage a hit-and-run to claim the payout. They fabricated a false identity of a wife and filed for insurance under the name Ningamma. Their murderous plot involved eliminating the victim, transporting his body to the outskirts of Hospet, renting a second-hand bike, placing his body on it, and colliding it with a car to simulate an accident before fleeing.

Initial findings indicated that the gang targeted vulnerable people, including the homeless and those with severe health issues, depositing money into savings accounts in their names.

Using these deposits, they acquired life insurance policies, typically amounting to Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh. They designated nominees of their choice, providing them with Rs 2 to 3 lakh after the insured's death while retaining the rest.

Authorities are communicating with the insurance company concerning the ongoing fraud.

The investigation is still in progress, with the gang being scrutinized for their involvement in similar schemes.

Further details are anticipated regarding this case.