Dharmasthala, Karnataka: The Dharmasthala police have arrested Sadashiva, also known as Sujith, a former employee of the Belalu Primary Agricultural Credit Co-operative Society (PACS), in connection with a financial fraud case involving a Rs10 lakh fixed deposit.
Sadashiva had reportedly been absconding since a complaint was filed earlier this year. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Sub-Inspector Samarth R. Ganiger tracked him down to Padil, Mangaluru, and arrested him on September 5. He was produced before the Beltangady court on September 6 and has been remanded to judicial custody.
Another former employee, Prashanth, also accused in the case, is still on the run.
The case stems from a complaint lodged by Prakash, Sadashiva’s brother and a resident of Belalu, who had deposited Rs10 lakh in a fixed deposit with the society and taken a Rs3.5 lakh loan against it. On April 28, 2025, Prakash filed a formal complaint alleging financial misconduct by the society’s CEO, demanding a full refund with interest.
According to officials, despite the CEO’s explanations, Prakash allegedly harassed the staff, used abusive language, and made repeated threats at the society’s office. In response, society president Padma Gowda filed a counter-complaint with Dharmasthala police, citing intimidation, verbal abuse, and harassment by Prakash.
Police continue to investigate the full scope of the financial irregularities and are working to locate the second accused, Prashanth.
