Hyderabad Construction Firm Reports Rs 4 Crore Fraud by Impersonator
A construction company based in Hyderabad has filed a formal complaint alleging that an individual posed as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) executive of a major software firm and defrauded them of Rs 4 crore. The incident, which has drawn attention from law enforcement, highlights vulnerabilities in business dealings involving high-value contracts.
Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme
According to the complaint lodged with the Hyderabad Central Crime Station (CCS), the accused, identified as Gagan Deep N, first encountered the firm's authorized representative, Md Khaja Naseeruddin, in 2025 at the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation office. Deep reportedly introduced himself as the regional head of CSR for a prominent software company and claimed to have close connections with ministers in Karnataka.
He allegedly enticed the construction firm with an initial offer of a Rs 150 crore contract under a proposed school infrastructure program funded by the software company. To build trust, Deep organized meetings in Bengaluru and arranged field inspections of over 30 government schools in rural Karnataka, presenting a facade of legitimacy.
Financial Transactions and Escalating Demands
Convinced by these representations, the construction firm paid Rs 3 crore as an earnest money deposit (EMD) in May 2025 through three demand drafts made out to a Mysuru-based company, as directed by the accused. The situation escalated during a meeting on June 12, 2025, where Deep introduced individuals purported to be senior education officials and legislators from Karnataka, falsely labeling the firm as an approved vendor.
At this meeting, the project value was allegedly increased to Rs 625 crore with the inclusion of smart classroom screens in 137 schools. Following this, Deep demanded an additional Rs 9.5 crore towards EMD, leading the firm to transfer another Rs 1 crore between October and November 2025 to bank accounts he provided.
Discovery of Fraud and Legal Action
The alleged deception came to light on April 3, 2026, when the complainant stumbled upon a news report indicating that Bengaluru police had registered a case against Deep and others for duping a Karnataka-based company of Rs 6 crore using a similar method. Realizing they had been misled through false representations and fabricated documents, the firm filed a complaint with CCS on April 7, 2026.
CCS police have registered a case against Gagan Deep and others under Sections 318(4) (cheating) and 319(2) (cheating by personation), read with Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities noted that the accused has already been arrested by Bengaluru police in a related case, and custody will be sought via a transit warrant for further interrogation.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This incident underscores the risks associated with fraudulent schemes in the construction and CSR sectors, particularly when involving large sums and government contracts. The case is part of a broader pattern, as Karnataka police have also booked the accused in a similar fraud case, suggesting potential serial offending.
Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of due diligence in business transactions and warn firms to verify credentials independently. The investigation is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as interrogations proceed and evidence is gathered.
