Udupi Woman Booked for Property Tax Fraud Using Fake Receipt
In a shocking case of deception, a woman in Udupi has been officially booked by the police for allegedly cheating a property owner through the creation of a fraudulent tax payment receipt. The incident highlights growing concerns over property tax fraud in the region, prompting authorities to take swift legal action.
Details of the Fraudulent Transaction
According to police reports, property owner Ananda Suvarna entrusted Rs 34,730 to a broker named Shalini to settle property tax dues accumulated over 12 years. On October 16, 2025, Shalini provided Suvarna with what appeared to be a legitimate tax paid receipt, assuring him that the payment had been successfully processed to the government.
Discovery of the Fraud
After coming across news reports about widespread property tax frauds in the media, Suvarna, with assistance from his daughter, decided to verify the status of his property tax payment. By logging into the official portal of the Udupi City Municipality, they discovered that the tax payment was still marked as pending and had not been completed, despite the receipt provided by Shalini.
Official Complaint and Police Action
Following this revelation, Suvarna raised the issue with Mahantesh Hangargi, the commissioner of Udupi City Municipality, on February 16. An investigation revealed that Shalini had allegedly misused the tax money given by Suvarna, failing to remit it to the government. Furthermore, she, along with accomplices, is accused of committing fraud against the government by illicitly placing a bank's seal on the challan to make it appear authentic.
Based on a formal complaint filed by Commissioner Hangargi, the Udupi Town police registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Sections 336(2), 336(3), 340(2), 318(4), and 3(5). This legal action underscores the seriousness of the offense and the commitment of local authorities to combat such fraudulent activities.
Broader Implications and Warnings
This case serves as a stark reminder for property owners to exercise caution when dealing with tax payments through intermediaries. It emphasizes the importance of directly verifying transactions with official government portals to avoid falling victim to similar scams. The Udupi police have urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to property tax to prevent further incidents of fraud.
