IIM Bangalore distances itself from alleged conman arrested for matrimonial fraud
Bengaluru: The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has issued a statement distancing itself from Rahul Chaturvedi, an individual recently arrested by the Bisrakh Police for allegedly defrauding over 20 women across Delhi-NCR through fake matrimonial profiles. The institution clarified that Chaturvedi, who had falsely claimed to be an alumnus, has no association with IIM Bangalore.
Chaturvedi, an IIM graduate according to earlier media reports, was apprehended after a woman filed a complaint accusing him of swindling her out of ₹2 lakh and an iPhone. He had reportedly posed as a high-ranking executive on matrimonial websites, including Jeevansathi.com and Better Half, luring women into romantic relationships and extorting money and expensive items under the pretense of marriage. His modus operandi involved creating fake profiles and using forged documents, including salary slips, to appear wealthy and credible.
Following Chaturvedi’s arrest, several prominent media outlets published reports labeling him as an IIM Bangalore alumnus, a claim that has since been categorically denied by the institution. In a press release, IIMB stated:
"Media reports have captioned one Mr. Rahul Chaturvedi, recently arrested by Noida Police on charges of alleged fraud, as an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB). We have no record of such an individual being our alumnus and categorically deny any association with this individual."
The institution further expressed concern over the propagation of this misinformation without proper verification. "We are deeply concerned by such reports in several prominent media outlets, including major national publications, which erroneously state that Mr. Chaturvedi is an 'IIM Bangalore graduate.' This misinformation has been propagated without any verification from our institution," the statement added.
The Bisrakh Police, who are handling the case, revealed that Chaturvedi has admitted to scamming at least 20 women using his false identities. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts being made to identify and contact additional victims.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
