Actor Krishna Manineni Accused in Multi-Million Fraud

In a startling development that has sent shockwaves through the Telugu film industry and beyond, actor Manineni Murali Krishna, popularly known as Krishna Manineni, has been formally accused of defrauding a city-based doctor out of a staggering ₹80 lakh. The allegations stem from a purported scheme involving fake railway contracts, prompting the Cyberabad Economic Offences Wing (EOW) to initiate a criminal investigation into the matter. The complainant, 33-year-old Ch S Naidu, operates a clinic in Manikonda and claims he was lured into the investment under the false pretense of lucrative returns linked to railway projects.

Naidu's entanglement with Manineni began in 2022, when he was introduced to the actor through a mutual patient who described him as a prominent figure in the film industry and the head of a non-governmental organization. In June 2024, Manineni presented Naidu with an investment opportunity, asserting that he managed a company engaged in executing railway contracts in Hubballi, Karnataka. With promises of an enticing 8% monthly return, Naidu invested his savings across multiple transactions from October 2024 to September 2025, only to find the promised returns halted by June 2025.

The unfolding scandal raises troubling questions regarding the integrity of public figures and the vulnerabilities of private investors. According to Naidu's accusations, the actor initially offered flimsy explanations for the payment delays, which later evolved into outright admissions that he was not involved in any railway contracts as claimed. In a shocking twist, when the doctor pressed for repayment, he reportedly received threats from Manineni, who then evaded further contact by switching off his phone and abandoning his residence. Notably, Naidu also alleges that the actor has defrauded at least five other investors, amassing losses exceeding ₹6.43 crore through similar deceptive practices involving counterfeit railway procurement documents.

As the EOW delves deeper into the allegations, they have registered a case against Manineni and his associates under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cheating and forgery. An EOW official confirmed that the department is currently scrutinizing financial transactions and related documentation to substantiate the claims made by Naidu. The investigation not only highlights the potential for systemic exploitation within the investment landscape but also underscores the imperative for transparency and accountability among high-profile individuals who wield significant influence in society.