Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A computer operator employed on a contractual basis at a state-run sports complex in Maharashtra is accused of embezzling Rs 21 crore to finance a lavish lifestyle, media reports said.

Harshal Kumar Kshirsagar, who earned a monthly salary of Rs 13,000, allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase luxury cars, a BMW bike, and a 4 BHK apartment for his girlfriend, NDTV reported.

The 23-year-old worked at the divisional sports complex in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and is now absconding.

His colleagues, Yashoda Shetty and her husband BK Jeevan, have been arrested for allegedly aiding him in the fraud.

Investigations reveal Harshal’s carefully orchestrated scheme to siphon funds. Using an outdated letterhead of the sports complex, he emailed the bank to alter the email address linked to the complex’s account.

The new email account was the same as the original but with a single alphabet difference, which allowed him to access OTPs and activate internet banking on the account.

Between July 1 and December 7 this year, Harshal allegedly transferred Rs 21.6 crore into 13 different bank accounts.

The stolen money financed a BMW car worth Rs 1.2 crore, an SUV costing Rs 1.3 crore, and a BMW bike priced at Rs 32 lakh.

He also gifted his girlfriend a luxury apartment near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport and reportedly ordered a diamond-studded pair of glasses for her.

The fraud was uncovered when a sports department official noticed financial discrepancies and lodged a complaint.

Senior police officer Prashant Kadam confirmed that three individuals have been named in the FIR so far.

“Two suspects have been arrested, while the main accused is on the run. He purchased high-end vehicles, a luxury apartment, and gold ornaments. We are working to apprehend him,” Kadam was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Police have seized the luxury vehicles and are examining documents linked to the fraudulent transactions.

Police suspect that more individuals may have been involved in the scheme.