Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jan 17: A man from city has gone absconding after allegedly cheating unassuming customers and firms, especially real estate buyers.

The accused, Canute Prashanth Fernandes, a native of Bikarnakatte had opened an office called Maestro Interiors at Gold Finch Complex years back. He was also engaged in real estate brokerage and worked as an agent for builders and apartment construction companies.

In one such case, it is learnt that Francis Rudolph Pinto, a close relative of Canute wished to purchase an apartment constructed by a builder of repute in the city. He entered into an agreement for sale with the builder on August 24, 2013 for Rs 22,44,750. Canute was an agent of the builder. At the alleged insistence of Canute, Rudolph made an agreement to buy the flat. Rudolf paid a sum of Rs 5 lac by cheque to the builder. Further Rs 1,41,415 was paid to the accused towards car parking charges and another Rs 13, 20,000 was paid by way of cheques and cash through Canute. As per the complaint, Rudolf paid a total of Rs 19,61,415 to Canute with regard to the deal.

But all of a sudden, Canute stopped receiving Rudolf's calls and all efforts to contact him failed. Growing suspicious of the deal, Rudolf then contacted the builder. To his utter shock, Rudolf learnt that Canute had pocketed the entire sum instead of passing it on to the builder. Canute was terminated by the builder as agent, it is said.

Thereafter, Rudolf filed a complaint against Canute in east police station, Kadri and the police registered the case under Sections 406 and 420 of IPC. The case has moved to JMFC (III Court), Mangaluru. The court summoned Canute but he neither accepted the summons nor appeared in the court. As per sources, he is absconding.

Besides this, it is alleged that Canute cheated has others in a similar way, especially in real estate dealings, mainly targeting NRI customers, it is alleged.

It is learnt that he used to frequently attend corporate events. He was also the owner of a cricket team in Mangaluru Premier League. Sources close to the team allege that he committed frauds worth lacs related to the cricket tournament too.