Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 20: Roshan Saldanha, a resident of Bollagudde in Bajal and the prime accused in a multi-crore rupee fraud case involving businessmen across India, has been remanded to judicial custody by a Mangaluru court. Investigating officers have also directed banks to freeze his accounts.
The accused was produced before court on Friday night, where the judge ordered judicial custody. The Mangaluru South (CEN) police, who are already probing Rs 11 crore and Rs 2 crore fraud cases filed earlier against him, are now preparing to seek his custody for further investigation. According to police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, a body warrant will be obtained and he will be taken into custody by Monday, July 21.
On July 19, a businessman from Maharashtra approached the South (CEN) police with a complaint stating that he had transferred Rs 5 crore to Roshan’s account on July 16. Similarly, a complainant from Assam reported transferring Rs 20 lakh to Roshan on July 17. Based on the complaints, police have contacted the respective banks and ordered freezing of the accounts.
Police have appealed to other victims who may have been cheated by Roshan to come forward and file complaints either at their nearest police station or directly with the South (CEN) police. These additional cases will further strengthen the investigation against him.
Likely to be taken into custody by Chitradurga police
A case has also been registered against Roshan at Chitradurga city police station for allegedly defrauding an Andhra-based businessman of Rs 40 crore. With his arrest confirmed, Chitradurga police may also seek his custody for interrogation.
Malaysian woman to be repatriated
A Malaysian woman who was present with Roshan at the time of his arrest is being processed for repatriation. Police have clarified that she has no involvement in the fraud. Her documents, including passport and visa, are being verified. Arrangements are being made to return her to Malaysia in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Malaysian High Commission. Currently, she is staying at Roshan’s residence.
Pattern of bringing foreign women
Sources reveal that Roshan would often bring young women from abroad and house them at his residence as part of his fraudulent operations. The Malaysian woman had reportedly been living in his house for about one and a half months. Her outings were discreet and limited to night hours, often in luxury vehicles. Roshan is also said to have previously brought women from Russia, Singapore, and other countries, typically accommodating them for 6 months to a year, based on visa validity, before replacing them with others.
Not known in his own community
Interestingly, Roshan Saldanha was not active or recognised in his community’s social, religious, or charitable events. Most locals were unaware of his activities until the fraud case came to light.