The Udupi CEN police have arrested Nagesh Poojary (31), a man wanted for swindling Rs2.5 crore from the Fortune Group of Hotels in Dubai. The arrest follows the cancellation of his bail by the District Sessions Court and State High Court after his earlier release by the JMFC Court. Poojary was apprehended in Nanjangud and has now been placed in three days of police custody.
Poojary, originally from Barkur, had been employed as an accountant for the Fortune Group of Hotels, which is owned by Udupi-based NRI entrepreneur Praveen Kumar Shetty. In 2022, Poojary was promoted to Chief Accountant of the hotel group. However, in 2023, when he took leave for his wedding, Poojary sought an additional 15 days off, which was denied by his employer. Shortly after, Poojary submitted his resignation via email, raising suspicions among hotel authorities.
Upon reviewing the accounts, discrepancies amounting to Rs2,55,63,000 were discovered. The investigation revealed that Poojary had systematically embezzled funds over time, siphoning off money in phases.