‘One typo, Rs 21 crore gone’: Computer operator on Rs 13,000 salary buys 4-bedroom apartment for his girlfriend

A 23-year-old computer operator earning a monthly salary of Rs 13,000 allegedly embezzled a staggering Rs 21 crore from a state-run sports complex in Maharashtra and funded a luxurious life that included luxury cars, and a lavish 4-bedroom apartment for his family. His girlfriend, and even diamond-studded glasses.

Harshal Kumar Kshirsagar, a contract employee at the sports complex in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, remains at large. The authorities arrested his colleague for allegedly helping him with the elaborate plan.

Harshal reportedly used old letterhead from the sports complex to request a crucial change with the bank: he changed the email address associated with the organisation’s account, replacing a single letter. This new email gave him full access to the bank’s passwords and one-time account notifications.

With the online banking service activated, Harshal executed his plan between July and December, transferring Rs 21.6 crore to 13 separate bank accounts. The money trail led investigators to a series of extravagant purchases, including a BMW worth Rs 1.2 crore, an SUV worth Rs 1.3 lakh, and a BMW bike worth Rs 32 lakh. He also bought a luxury apartment near the airport and ordered diamond-studded glasses for his girlfriend, police said.

The fraud was uncovered when a sports department official discovered discrepancies and filed a complaint. An NDTV report quoted a senior police official as saying: “Two accused have been arrested, while the other is still on the run. The investigation revealed luxury cars, a high-end apartment and gold jewelry linked to the looted money.”

Authorities are now working to trace Harshal’s whereabouts while reviewing documents linked to the accounts used. Seized luxury cars and ongoing searches highlight the scale of the operation.

Police suspect that more individuals may be involved in the robbery, which has sent shockwaves throughout the state’s sports department.