ED attaches assets worth ₹427 crore in ₹2,459-crore Belagavi Ponzi scam
Over 35,000 investors allegedly cheated; properties of kingpin Shivanand Neelannavar, family members and associates attached
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth ₹427.16 crore belonging to Shivanand Siddappa Neelannavar, the suspected mastermind behind a major Ponzi scheme in Belagavi, India. The assets attached include fixed deposits, bank balances, share market holdings, agricultural land, bungalows, and apartment bookings.
The ED's investigation revealed that a significant portion of the collected funds was misused in high-risk stock market trading, leading to net losses of ₹185.95 crore. Additionally, around ₹25 crore was allegedly diverted through cooperative credit societies to purchase land for associates. The funds were also allegedly deposited in the bank accounts of Neelannavar's family members and invested in business ventures.
Neelannavar was arrested on August 13, 2026, and the ED filed a prosecution complaint in Mangaluru on October 9, seeking the prosecution of five accused persons and entities. Further investigation is ongoing.
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