Who is Rohan Saldanha? Mangaluru conman with lavish lifestyle held in Rs 200 crore scam

By Admin

19 Jul, 2025

A man who lived the high life in the coastal city of Mangaluru is now behind bars   and the details behind his rise and fall are nothing short of cinematic. Meet Rohan Saldanha, a 45-year-old alleged fraudster whose extravagant lifestyle masked a staggering ₹200 crore scam that duped business tycoons and wealthy individuals across the country.

The Master of Illusion

Rohan Saldanha posed as a high-profile businessman and operated from a lavish bungalow in Jeppinamogaru, Mangaluru. He wasn't just pretending to be rich   he lived the part. With expensive liquor, elegant interiors, and a charismatic personality, Saldanha created an atmosphere that exuded trust and success. It was all part of a well-crafted illusion designed to fool even the sharpest of minds.

Targeting the Affluent

Unlike petty conmen, Saldanha didn’t prey on the unsuspecting common man. He targeted affluent individuals and business magnates from outside the Mangaluru region   people from other states and districts who were enticed by the prospect of securing large business loans. He would promise loans of ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore, but with a catch   the victims had to pay stamp duty charges ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore upfront.

Surprisingly, many of these seasoned businessmen handed over huge sums in cash, swayed by the credibility of Saldanha’s environment and persona. Legal formalities and background checks were often overlooked, proving just how convincing and calculated the scam was.

A House Full of Secrets

As suspicions grew around Saldanha’s lifestyle, the Mangaluru Police launched an investigation. What they discovered was a complex web of deceit backed by psychological manipulation. In just the last three months, investigators believe Saldanha had orchestrated fraudulent transactions worth ₹45 crore. Over the years, that number is believed to have ballooned to ₹200 crore.

When officers finally raided his residence, they were stunned to find a hidden chamber an emergency escape space where Saldanha tried to evade arrest. Police had to forcefully break open the concealed door to capture him.

The Road Ahead

With Saldanha now in custody, the Mangaluru Police are sifting through financial records and contacting potential victims. Authorities believe more victims may come forward, as many might have stayed silent due to embarrassment or disbelief.

Police have urged anyone who has been defrauded by Rohan Saldanha to report to the nearest police station and assist with the ongoing investigation.

Conclusion

The case of Rohan Saldanha serves as a stark reminder that not all that glitters is gold. His story is one of manipulation, trust abuse, and high-stakes deception   proving that even the wealthiest and most powerful can fall prey to a well-orchestrated scam.