A Hyderabad-based Indian businessman and his wife have gone missing while on a holiday in Switzerland, triggering a complex investigation that now encompasses both a search-and-rescue operation and allegations of significant financial impropriety.
Pabba Chandrashekhar, 51, and his wife, Swapna, 42, departed for Switzerland on June 22, but communication with their family ceased abruptly on July 8.
The couple’s 23-year-old daughter, Shreya, a software professional, initially maintained regular contact with her parents throughout the early stages of their trip. However, when their mobile phones were suddenly switched off or rendered unreachable, the family grew concerned. After several days of silence, Shreya approached the police to report them missing.
As authorities began reviewing travel itineraries and immigration records to verify the couple’s entry into Switzerland, the scope of the investigation expanded into the financial realm. Police revealed that the couple had allegedly collected approximately INR 50 crore from more than 60 different investors over the past few years.
According to reports, the funds were raised under the guise of various business ventures and personal needs, with the couple promising significant, profitable returns to the investors.
While a formal case of cheating has yet to be registered against them, officials are now examining whether the couple’s disappearance was voluntary or linked to the mounting financial allegations.
Police are currently scrutinizing the couple’s recent financial transactions and professional dealings to determine if the trip was a planned departure to avoid potential legal repercussions.
“Investigations are ongoing into various aspects of the matter, including the possibility of intentional disappearance and financial irregularities,” authorities stated.
Investigators are working to piece together their movements and have appealed to the public for any information regarding the couple’s current whereabouts.
