Bihar native arrested for ₹50-crore school project fraud in Keralam

According to police officials, the accused targeted a Kozhikode businessman and his associate by promising to secure the fund to set up educational institutions in various parts of Keralam

Updated - September 04, 2026 06:50 pm IST - Kollam

Representational image. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

A 39-year-old Bihar native has been arrested by the Kollam West police for defrauding two Kozhikode-based businessmen under the pretext of securing funds to establish schools across Keralam. The arrested individual has been identified as Ashwani Kumar Singh, a resident of Senturi Govindam in the Vaishali district of Bihar.

According to police officials, the accused targeted a Kozhikode businessman and his associate by promising to secure a staggering project fund of ₹50 crore to set up educational institutions in various parts of Keralam. Believing his claims, the victims transferred ₹10.25 lakh into Mr. Singh’s bank account as an initial processing fee. To finalise the business agreement and conduct further discussions, Mr. Singh summoned the complainants to a lodge in Kollam, where he was temporarily staying.

However, the situation took a different turn during their meeting at the lodge. While staying alongside the victims, the accused managed to steal ₹2 lakh in cash that the businessmen had brought with them. Shortly after committing the theft, Mr. Singh switched off his mobile phone and fled the premises, planning a multi-State escape. He intended to travel to Coimbatore and board a flight back to Bihar to evade law enforcers.

After the victims filed a formal complaint, the Kollam West police registered a case and initiated an investigation. Since the suspect was on the run, a special police team was dispatched under Kollam West Inspector Vipin A.C. The team, comprising sub-inspector Siddiqul Akbar, assistant sub-inspector Muhammad Shafi, senior civil police officers Arun, Rajeev, and Ratheesh, and civil police officer Manoj, tracked the suspect’s movements toward Tamil Nadu.

Working in close coordination with the Coimbatore railway police, the investigating team successfully intercepted and arrested Mr. Singh in Coimbatore before he could proceed further with his plans. The accused was subsequently brought back to Kollam, where further legal proceedings and detailed interrogations are currently under way.

Published - September 04, 2026 06:47 pm IST

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