A retired High Court judge, who served in both Andhra Pradesh and another High Court, has allegedly fallen victim to a financial scam involving a staggering sum of Rs 2.5 crore, according to a report published by The News Minute.
The judge, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly handed over the substantial amount to two individuals claiming affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, under the pretence of procuring Electoral Bonds for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The incident, which unfolded in 2021, came to light recently when the retired judge disclosed details of the purported scam to media outlet TNM (The News Minute). According to the judge, identified as a 74-year-old, he entrusted the funds to two men, Anil and Sridhar (names changed), based in Hyderabad, believing they would utilize the money to acquire Electoral Bonds from the State Bank of India.
In return, the judge alleged, the individual promised to secure employment opportunities for his grandchildren residing in the United States.
Anil, one of the accused individuals, reportedly has affiliations with the World Hindu Congress, as per his LinkedIn profile. Despite denying any involvement in the scam and refuting claims of receiving money from the judge, Anil's alleged association with the World Hindu Congress raises questions regarding his purported connections and activities.
The Electoral Bonds, which serve as interest-free bearer bonds aimed at funding political parties anonymously, became the focal point of the scam. Following a recent Supreme Court judgment halting the Electoral Bonds scheme, the retired judge, unable to procure the promised bonds, approached authorities and complained about the accused individuals for alleged cheating.
In his complaint filed with the Film Nagar police station, the retired judge accused Anil and Sridhar of failing to deliver the promised Electoral Bonds despite repeated requests. He lamented the absence of any progress on securing employment for his grandchildren, highlighting a breach of trust and misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs 2.5 crore.
The accused individuals now face charges under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (acts of cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).
Following the publication of the story, the retired judge reportedly submitted a letter to the police station, announcing his decision to withdraw the complaint. While acknowledging his mistake in being deceived, the judge expressed his intent to discontinue legal proceedings, urging authorities to take necessary steps to close the case.
The incident sheds light on the vulnerability of individuals, even those holding esteemed positions such as retired judges, to financial scams orchestrated under false pretences.