Kakinada: Thirty-one people from Amalapuram, Allavaram, Ravulapalem, Razol, P. Gannavaram and Antarvedi in Konaseema district and residents of Palakollu and Ongole were allegedly defrauded of Rs 1.50 crore by a pastor’s family from Komaragiripatnam in Allavaram mandal. BR Ambedkar Konaseema District. The victims filed a complaint with district officials on Monday, demanding justice and criminal prosecution against the pastor and his family.

The victims alleged that Pastor A. Shalom Raju, his wife B. Jyoti and an agent named B. Jyoti received Rs 1.50 crore from them on the pretext of seeking employment in Israel with a salary exceeding Rs 1 lakh each. The pastor initially demanded Rs 3 lakh with an agreement to pay an additional Rs 4 lakh after employment.

In hopes of getting a job, the victims transferred funds to the pastor’s bank account and also provided some cash. After collecting their Aadhaar cards and passports, the pastor introduced them to an agent from Warangal, also named B. Jyoti. Three individuals delayed the process under various pretexts. They eventually sent 11 victims to Jordan, where they were shown several places, and then sent back to Hyderabad, allegedly because their visas had expired.

Subsequently, the pastor and his associates repeatedly promised to send them to Israel, but the victims soon realized that they had been deceived. Now they are asking officials to return their money and take action against the accused.