Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Jan 24: A stranger succeeded in fleecing a person to the tune of Rs 5,000 by offering to get a sum of Rs 50,000 by way of subsidy sanctioned through the social welfare department. The man who lost money in this case happens to be Guddappa Rai, an auto rickshaw driver by profession.

Guddappa was waiting for customers near the bus stand here, when an unidentified person hired his three-wheeler to reach a destination. On the way, the auto driver heard him speaking on the phone about Rs 50,000 subsidy. He grew curious and questioned the stranger on reaching his destination, Paichar here. He said that poor people can get a sum of Rs 50,000 by way of subsidy for which an application has to be filed along with fee of Rs 5,000. Guddappa was told that it was the last day for the application as the applications from the entire district will be directly taken to Bengaluru. He offered to get the subsidy sanctioned to the auto driver if he is interested.

Sullia police station (file photo)

The auto driver returned to Sullia from Paichar, withdrew money from his account and handed over the money along with copies of the Aadhar card and bank pass book. As the application had to be sent the same day, the stranger travelled by the same auto rickshaw to Puttur. He also told Guddappa that his wife works as constable in Sampya police station. He asked Guddappa to stop near a government office at Puttur and promised to return after confirming that the officer was available. But he did not return even after 30 minutes. The auto driver then went to the office and made enquiries. He realised that he was cheated. On visiting Sampya police station, he also found that the claim of the wife of the stranger working there was also false.

Guddappa Rai has filed a complaint in Sullia police station.