Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 30: In a significant development, Kankanady Town police have arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly creating and distributing forged trade licences and property tax receipts using the official branding of Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC).
The accused, identified as Prithviraj Shetty alias Munna, was apprehended on Wednesday, July 25 after going underground for several days.
The scam came to light after Balakrishna Suvarna, owner of Sri Raja Durga Furniture Works, approached the MCC office to obtain documentation required for an ongoing court case.
During the visit, officials informed him that his business licence and property tax had lapsed — contrary to the valid-looking documents he had in his possession.
Upon closer examination, it was discovered that Suvarna had been provided with forged documents by the accused, who had collected Rs 27,990 under the pretext of renewing his MCC trade licence and settling property tax dues.
Acting on a complaint lodged by the MCC commissioner, as well as a formal complaint filed by Suvarna, the Kankanady Town police registered a case and launched an investigation.
Similar case emerges in Barke
Meanwhile, another complaint was filed at Barke police station by Devang K Patel, proprietor of Lakshmi Hardware Works at Pumpwell. Patel accused the same individual—Prithviraj Shetty—of similarly defrauding him by producing forged MCC trade and tax documents.
Following these revelations, Shetty fled the scene and remained in hiding, reportedly moving between various locations in Kerala. However, police received credible intelligence that he had returned to Kinnigoli, leading to his arrest on July 25.
Elaborate forgery scheme unravelled
During intensive questioning, the accused revealed that his father, Ganesh Shetty, had previously worked as a commercial accountant for Devang Patel. After his father fell ill in 2004, Prithviraj had taken over the role and gained access to business records and contacts.
The accused admitted to collecting payments from both complainants under the guise of renewing their 2025–26 business licences and paying MCC property taxes. Using the MCC’s official websites, he logged in with mobile OTPs obtained from the business owners, downloaded previous year’s documents, and then used third-party editing apps to alter the dates and details. These doctored documents were then printed and handed over to the victims as genuine.
Police have confiscated devices and digital tools used in creating the forged documents. He has been produced before a magistrate and is currently in judicial custody.
More victims suspected
Authorities suspect that Prithviraj may have duped several other business owners using similar tactics. Investigations are currently ongoing in both Kankanady and Barke police jurisdictions to identify any additional victims and uncover the full extent of the forgery operation.