Man Arrested for Scamming People with 2-BHK Housing Scheme

Quick Summary

• The Jeedimetla police in hyderabad arrested Bodimi Shetty Haribabu for allegedly duping 84 people by promising them double-bedroom houses.
• Haribabu, an assistant at the Quthbullapur MLA camp Office, was taken into custody after a complaint filed by Thailam Ramesh on july 14.
• Victims were reportedly asked to pay ₹1 lakh each for a government-allotted 2-BHK house; neither the promised houses were delivered, nor was the money returned.
• Investigations revealed that Haribabu used the collected money to construct his own house in Reddy Nagar Colony, Quthbullapur.
• Statements from eight victims have been recorded and video evidence showing one victim handing over cash has been recovered.
• Police have seized Haribabu’s mobile phone and are continuing investigations to identify and collect statements from remaining victims.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This case highlights vulnerabilities in how promises of government schemes can be misused to exploit citizens.It appears that trust placed in individuals associated with political offices contributed significantly to this fraudulent activity.The fact that one person managed to deceive dozens of victims underscores gaps in public awareness regarding official processes for housing grants under government schemes.

For policymakers, this incident is a stark reminder of the need for stronger clarity mechanisms and public education campaigns about legitimate channels for accessing government benefits. Legal action against such offenses also serves as a deterrent while offering justice to those defrauded. Continued examination will likely yield insights into potential systemic loopholes worth addressing.

Read more: The Hindu