Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Jun 19: A young man who got acquainted with a girl on Facebook (FB) has since lost Rs 35 lac. Moreover, he is in the hospital now.

The hero of this story is Prasad Kumar from  Ballamavati, Kodagu district. He was looking after his house and plantation. When surfing Facebook, he came across the account of Shwetha Cariappa, and just wished her by typing 'Hai'. Shwetha responded, and their friendship blossomed over the next eight months. It is said that at one stage, the girl even promised to marry him.

In later days, the two continued with their association through WhatsApp. Shweta told Kumar that her father is into real estate business and that she is employed in a company. Prasad, who had fallen for her looks, also went on believing the stories concocted by the lady.

Subbaiah, a neighbour, had informed Prasad Kumar about his desire to acquire a house site at Bengaluru. Prasad, who knew that Shweta's father is into real estate business, passed on this information to the lady. Shwetha promised to put pressure on her father and get a site for Kumar's neighbour. She also got Kumar to deposit Rs 35 lac by way of the advance amount. Shwetha and Subbaiah promised to pay the commission of Rs 50,000 each to Kumar. Kumar withdrew Rs 35 lac he had received by way of credit to his account and handed over the money to Shetha, who came to Kushalnagar in an Innova car from Bengaluru to collect the money.

Shwetha, once she got the money, switched off her phone. Subbaiah, who had given money to Prasad Kumar, filed a cheating case against Kumar in Napoklu police station. The police who registered this case arrested Prasad and questioned him in their inimitable style.

Prasad now feels totally let down, having been taken for a ride by his Facebook friend. It is said that the police have thrashed him relating to the cheating complaint, as per the statement of Prasad Kumar. Prasad has been hospitalised. Subbaiah is at a loss about how to get his money back. The lady who collected money has simply disappeared in thin air.