A large-scale fraud exceeding Rs 30 crore under the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has come to light, prompting the formation of a dedicated Special Investigation Team (SIT). District Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal confirmed that four individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the scheme.
The case was registered following a complaint filed by Mudhol Assistant Director of Agriculture S B Dodamani. The accused include Kallappa Hunasikatti, Srinivas Patil, Kallesh Junnur, Srinivas Hunasikatti, Ramesh Hunasikatti, Prashant Komar, Shrikant Halagali, Yashwant, Rakesh, Prakash, Anil Beelagi, Balaraju Palegar, and Gangappa Itnal.
Preliminary findings indicate that this network has been operating for five to six years, primarily in Bagalkot district, with potential activities across the state. The fraud was concentrated in Mudhol, Bilagi, and Hungund taluks, although similar patterns elsewhere are under scrutiny.
Agents and intermediaries exploited the PMFBY scheme by collecting farmers’ land documents, bank passbooks, and Aadhaar details under the guise of enrolment. In many cases, premiums were paid on behalf of unaware farmers. During crop inspections, the accused allegedly manipulated PR agents to submit false reports, claiming non-existent crops or misreporting crop varieties to secure fraudulent compensation.
Recognising the severity of the crime, the SIT was constituted. So far, Rakesh, Anil Beelagi, Balaraju Palegar, and Gangappa Itnal have been arrested. Investigations are ongoing to trace the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire network, including potential involvement of insurance agents, middlemen, company officials, and government functionaries.
The SP emphasised that this represents a long-running organised financial crime that deprives public funds and denies genuine farmers their rightful claims. Strict legal action will be taken against all culpable individuals, irrespective of their position.
