Kannada Actress Sanjana Galrani Duped of ₹45 Lakh in Real Estate Scam: A Cautionary Tale
In a shocking incident that highlights the risks of real estate investments and the importance of due diligence, Kannada film actress Sanjana Galrani has emerged as a victim of a real estate scam that cost her ₹45 lakh. A Bengaluru court recently ruled in her favor, ordering businessman Rahul Tonse, also known as Rahul Shetty, to repay ₹61.4 lakh, which includes the principal amount along with interest. The case sheds light on the growing trend of white-collar crime in the city and the need for stringent regulatory mechanisms.
The origins of the case date back to 2018-19, when Galrani was allegedly approached by Tonse with a real estate investment proposal that promised attractive returns. Convinced by his assurances, she transferred a total of ₹45 lakh in instalments, with the expectation that the investment would yield significant profits through site properties in Bengaluru. However, the promise soon turned into a nightmare, as Tonse failed to deliver on his commitments and began evading her repeated inquiries.
Unable to recover her investment through informal means, Galrani sought legal recourse. In October 2021, she filed a complaint with the Indiranagar police, resulting in the registration of a cheating case against Tonse and his parents. The legal battle that ensued culminated in a recent judgment by Judge PS Santosh Kumar of the 28th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Bengaluru. The court not only ordered Tonse to repay the amount with interest but also sentenced him to six months of simple imprisonment in the event of non-payment.
During the trial, Galrani's legal team presented strong evidence to support her claims. Two cheques issued by Tonse—one worth ₹30 lakh and another for ₹15 lakh—were dishonoured. The former was stopped by the issuer, while the latter bounced due to insufficient funds. Despite several legal notices served to Tonse, he reportedly refused to settle the dues. The court also dismissed his claim that he had not received the legal notice, stating that he did not contest the address and the postal cover was not returned.
Currently, police reports suggest that Tonse is residing abroad, and a notice has been issued in his name. His absence further complicates the enforcement of the court's verdict, though the legal directive stands as a significant moral and procedural victory for Galrani.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for investors—celebrities and commoners alike. Real estate investments, while potentially lucrative, are fraught with risks, especially when due diligence is neglected. It underscores the importance of verifying the credentials of individuals offering high-return investment opportunities and consulting with legal or financial advisors before parting with large sums of money.
The case also spotlights the slow pace of justice in financial fraud cases, which often take years to reach a conclusion. However, the outcome in Galrani’s case reinforces the principle that justice, though delayed, is not denied.
As Bengaluru continues to grow as a hub for real estate development, regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure transparency and protect investors from fraudulent schemes. Meanwhile, stories like that of Sanjana Galrani remind us of the very real consequences of misplaced trust and the importance of legal recourse in righting financial wrongs.
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