Belgaum city police have detained Aragonda alias Aravinda Aragonda Prakasam, a Hyderabad resident, for duping students across multiple states with promises of government MBBS seats in exchange for large sums of money. Prakasam, who was found in possession of Rs 12 lakh in cash, operated a NEET guidance center in Belgaum since 2023. His scheme targeted students with low NEET scores, employing local youths to lure them into paying hefty fees for guaranteed seats. At least 10 students in Belgaum were victimized, each paying a minimum of Rs 20 lakh.
The fraud was uncovered when a student from Bidar filed a complaint in November 2023. Investigations revealed Prakasam operated under a false identity. Following an intensive search, a special team apprehended him in Mumbai. He has since been returned to Belgaum and appeared in court.
Besides the cash, police seized five mobile phones, 12 monitors, a laptop, credit and debit cards, an adapter, and a DVR from Prakasam. Further probes discovered similar scams in other states, with cases pending against him in Telangana, Bhopal, and Bengaluru. DCP Rohan Jagadisha confirmed ongoing investigations and urged additional victims to come forward to aid in the inquiry.
