Maharashtra Sports Complex Fraud: 23-Year-Old Computer Operator Embezzles ₹21 Crore, Splurges on Luxury Lifestyle

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A shocking case of financial fraud has emerged in Maharashtra, where a 23-year-old computer operator, Harshal Kumar Kshirsagar, allegedly embezzled ₹21.6 crore from the Divisional Sports Complex in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Despite earning just ₹13,000 per month, he managed to pull off an elaborate scam that funded a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars, an upscale apartment, and expensive gifts. According to police reports, Harshal manipulated the banking system using a deceptively simple trick. He allegedly forged an official letterhead from the sports complex and sent an email to the bank, requesting a change in the official email address linked to the complex’s account. The new email address was almost identical to the original, differing by just one letter, making it difficult for the bank to detect the fraud. Once he gained access, he activated internet banking and intercepted One-Time Passwords (OTPs), which allowed him to transfer massive sums of money without raising suspicion. Between July 1 and December 7, 2024, Harshal allegedly transferred ₹21.6 crore to 13 different bank accounts. Investigators revealed that Harshal wasted no time in spending the stolen money on an extravagant lifestyle.

He reportedly purchased a BMW car worth ₹1.2 crore, an SUV valued at ₹1.3 crore, and a BMW motorcycle for ₹32 lakh. He also bought a 4BHK apartment near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport for his girlfriend and even gifted her a pair of diamond-studded glasses. The fraud came to light when a sports department official noticed irregularities in financial records, prompting an investigation. So far, the police have arrested two people in connection with the scam—Harshal’s colleague Yashoda Shetty and her husband, BK Jeevan—who are suspected of assisting him. However, Harshal remains on the run, and authorities are actively searching for him. “Two accused have been arrested, and one is absconding. The investigation found that the main suspect purchased luxury cars, a high-end apartment, and gold ornaments. Our teams are working to track him down,” said Senior Police Officer Prashant Kadam, as per an NDTV report. The police have already seized the luxury cars and the apartment bought with the stolen money. They are now investigating the bank accounts where the embezzled funds were transferred and looking into other possible accomplices. As the probe continues, authorities are working to recover the stolen money and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.