The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bengaluru): The Special Investigation Team (SIT), delving into the intricate Bitcoin case, has issued a plea for public cooperation in apprehending a suspect currently evading capture.
Sridhar K Pujar, who previously served as an inspector with the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and is currently assigned to the Internal Security Division (ISD), is designated as the fifth accused in the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the SIT concerning the Bitcoin scandal. His flight from the law began following an unsuccessful arrest attempt by the SIT in Bengaluru on February 27.
In response to Pujar’s continued absence, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the CID has disseminated a public notice, inviting tips that could lead to his arrest. The notice emphasizes the ongoing process to declare Pujar a Proclaimed Offender under Section 82 of the CrPC in the esteemed 1st ACMM Court, assuring a reward for information that results in his capture while guaranteeing the anonymity of the informer.
This appeal follows a reported incident where Pujar allegedly attempted to run over two SIT inspectors with his vehicle during their arrest effort on February 27. Following this event, the Vidhana Soudha police station received a complaint against Pujar, leading to charges under various sections of the IPC encompassing attempted murder and other offenses.
Amidst these legal troubles, Pujar has sought anticipatory bail in connection with the case. The backdrop to this high-stakes chase involves the arrest of a notorious hacker, Srikrishna alias Sriki, by the CCB four years prior for hacking state government platforms and misappropriating Rs 11.5 crore to acquire Bitcoins and illegal substances from the Dark Web.
The formation of the SIT by the Congress government was prompted by accusations that seized cryptocurrencies had been embezzled by a network including politicians, bureaucrats, and police officers. To date, the SIT’s efforts have resulted in the arrest of three individuals, among them former CCB officers Prashanth Babu DM and Lakshmikanthaiah.