Hyderabad, 27 June
NRI Priest Held at Hyderabad Airport After Alleged ₹20 Lakh Fraud
A priest-cum-businessman accused of cheating a software professional out of ₹20 lakh was detained by immigration authorities at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad on Saturday, June 27, after arriving from the United States.
The accused, identified as Chamarthi Rama Latcha Rao, also known as Rama Sarma, was later handed over to the Bachupally Police, who had earlier issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him in connection with the alleged fraud. NRI Priest Held at Hyderabad Airport After Alleged ₹20 Lakh Fraud
Priest Allegedly Gained Victim’s Trust
According to police, Rama Sarma became acquainted with the complainant, Mandanapu Naveen Kumar Chowdary, while both were residing in Pragathi Nagar in Hyderabad.
As a priest, Rama Sarma regularly performed religious rituals and poojas at the complainant’s residence. Over time, he gained the family’s trust and was also recommended to relatives and friends for conducting religious ceremonies.
Police said the accused later used this relationship to seek financial assistance for his alleged business ventures.
Claimed to Be Associated With Multiple Businesses
Investigators said Rama Sarma introduced himself as a partner in Trivedi Chemical Solutions and a director of Info Swan Pvt. Ltd. He also claimed to be managing a charitable trust named Sri Guru Datha Lakshmi Narasimha Guruvambika Peetam.
He allegedly introduced his wife, Chamarthi Prameela Rani, as the director of Arkhya Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Arkhya Tech India Pvt. Ltd. Another associate, Manchikanti Venkata Raghavendra Vara Prasad, was presented as a director in multiple companies. NRI Priest Held at Hyderabad Airport After Alleged ₹20 Lakh Fraud
Victim Transferred Money for Business Expansion
Police said that in July 2023, Rama Sarma requested financial assistance, claiming he needed funds to expand his business and promising to repay the amount within three months.
Based on these assurances:
- The complainant transferred ₹15 lakh to the bank account of Prameela Rani on July 5, 2023.
- Another ₹15 lakh was transferred to Vara Prasad’s account on July 6, 2023.
The total amount initially transferred was ₹30 lakh. NRI Priest Held at Hyderabad Airport After Alleged ₹20 Lakh Fraud
Only Partial Repayment Made
According to the investigation, the accused repaid ₹20 lakh in February 2024, assuring the complainant that the remaining amount would be returned soon.
Later, Rama Sarma allegedly sought an additional ₹10 lakh for business purposes, which the complainant transferred on April 5, 2024.
However, despite repeated follow-ups, the remaining money was allegedly not returned. NRI Priest Held at Hyderabad Airport After Alleged ₹20 Lakh Fraud
Threats Allegedly Issued to Victim
Police stated that when the complainant persistently demanded repayment, Rama Sarma, his wife, and their associate allegedly threatened him and his family with serious consequences.
Following the complaint, the Bachupally Police registered a case against:
- Chamarthi Rama Latcha Rao alias Rama Sarma
- Chamarthi Prameela Rani
- Manchikanti Venkata Raghavendra Vara Prasad
The accused have been booked under charges of cheating, criminal intimidation, and other relevant provisions of law. NRI Priest Held at Hyderabad Airport After Alleged ₹20 Lakh Fraud
Detained at Hyderabad Airport
After learning that Rama Sarma was returning to India from the United States, the police issued a Look Out Circular (LOC).
Immigration officials at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport intercepted the accused upon arrival on Saturday and handed him over to the investigating officers from Bachupally Police for further legal proceedings.
Police said further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the alleged financial fraud and the involvement of the other accused. NRI Priest Held at Hyderabad Airport After Alleged ₹20 Lakh Fraud
Key Highlights
- NRI priest detained at Hyderabad airport after arriving from the US.
- Accused allegedly cheated a software professional of ₹20 lakh.
- Bachupally Police had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC).
- Victim initially transferred ₹30 lakh for business expansion.
- Only ₹20 lakh was repaid before another ₹10 lakh was allegedly taken.
- Police booked three accused on charges including cheating and criminal intimidation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was the NRI priest detained at Hyderabad airport?
He was detained after returning from the United States in connection with a ₹20 lakh cheating case registered by Bachupally Police.
Who is the accused?
The accused has been identified as Chamarthi Rama Latcha Rao alias Rama Sarma, a priest and businessman.
How much money was allegedly involved?
Police said the complainant transferred ₹40 lakh in total, of which ₹20 lakh was repaid. The remaining amount allegedly remains unpaid.
Which police station is investigating the case?
The case is being investigated by the Bachupally Police in Hyderabad.
What charges have been filed?
The accused have been booked for cheating, criminal intimidation, and other relevant offences.
-NRI Priest Held at Hyderabad Airport After Alleged ₹20 Lakh Fraud