Introduction:

In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has directed the police to register a complaint against a man who claims to have been duped of over ₹1 crore by a woman and her associates, who allegedly promised him a job at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The case revolves around the bail petition of the accused woman, Vinutha M E, who is alleged to have orchestrated the scam.

The case titled “Vinutha M E vs. State of Karnataka” (Criminal Petition No. 7436/2025) was heard by a vacation bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj. The petitioner, Vinutha M E, sought bail in a case where she is accused of defrauding a man, Sanjay N, of ₹1.03 crore by promising him a job at ISRO. The court’s directive to register a complaint against the complainant himself adds a complex layer to the ongoing investigation.

Arguments of Both Sides:

Petitioner’s Arguments:

Advocate representing Vinutha M E argued that the petitioner is a housewife and has been falsely implicated in the case. It was contended that the co-accused in the case have already been granted bail, and the petitioner should be extended the same relief. The counsel also highlighted that the petitioner is not involved in the other cases registered against her and that her husband is the primary accused in those instances.

Respondent’s Arguments:

The prosecution opposed the bail plea, pointing out that the petitioner is a habitual offender with similar cases registered against her in Kollegal and Chikkamagaluru town police stations. The investigation officer’s report indicated that fake appointment letters created by the petitioner in the name of ISRO have yet to be recovered. The court was informed that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is necessary to recover these documents and further the investigation.

Court’s Judgment:

After considering the arguments, the Karnataka High Court directed the Annapoorneshwarinagara police station to register a complaint against the complainant, Sanjay N, in Crime No. 165/2025. The court observed that since the complainant admitted to paying ₹1.03 crore to the petitioner and others for securing a job in a reputed organisation like ISRO, his actions warrant investigation.

The court further ordered that a copy of the order be forwarded to the Chairman of ISRO to enable the organisation to take necessary action. The Registrar Judicial was directed to place proof of such forwarding to the Chairman of ISRO by the next date of hearing, June 4.

Additionally, the court instructed the petitioner to place on record details of the crimes registered against her in Kollegal and Chikkamagaluru town police stations on the next date of hearing.