Fed star hopes, Bangalore youth parts with Rs10 lakh

A man claiming to be a Kannada film producer cheated a youth of Rs10 lakh, promising to make him a hero. Laggere Shivakumar, who claimed to be a producer, with movies like Nigoodha Ratri and Okalipuram, met Raghu in 2007 at a driving school in Chandra Layout. He fed him hopes of making it big in Sandalwood, saying that he was more handsome that most actors. 

Raghu was flattered to know that he could be starring opposite Ramya. Shivakumar told Raghu that he needed Rs10 lakh to start shooting the movie, and also introduced him to stars. Raghu pledged his mother’s jewellery to garner the funds, and handed the money to Shivakumar.

However, since Ramya was busy with other movies, Shivakumar told Raghu that Rashmi will play co-star. A photo session was held with Rashmi. The muhoorta of the film Chella was held in Ganesha temple in Vijayanagar, and shooting began at Chandra Layout. However,  shooting stopped abruptly as funds ran out.

“I paid Shivakumar more than `10 lakh, for the promotion of the film. He also asked me to get a car to go to shooting locations. I sold my mother’s jewellery and also took loan,” Raghu said in his complaint to joint commissioner of police (crime), Alok Kumar, on Tuesday.

Shivakumar shifted home and changed his mobile number to remain out of reach. He reportedly also attempted to dupe the son of an MLA with a similar tactic. CCB police are investigating.