Businessman trapped in a web of lies
A man was brutally killed for money, and he was not even that aware a trusted colleague had taken an insurance policy in his name.
National media recently turned their eyes to Newcastle, when a “respected Newcastle resident often involved in charity work” was caught in the middle of an insurance fraud and murder scandal.
Rajnath Bisnath, according to national media, appeared in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court recently and requested bail after being charged with murder and fraud.
According to reports, Mr Bisnath’s employee, Umesh Rabilal, visited his brother-in-law in Sydenham, Durban on March 1, 2013. He and five of his acquaintances were attacked by two unknown males who robbed them of their personal belongings.
Mr Rabilal was forced into the bedroom where he was brutally shot and killed.
Three days later, the deceased’s employer, Mr Bisnath, lodged a R4-million claim with an insurance company allegedly as the sole beneficiary.
Mr Bisnath, a reputable businessman and owner of SEMR Security Company, made a living in Newcastle for the last 10 years.
The plot thickens
According to reports, a man by the name of Umesh Rabilal contacted an insurance company in September 2012, requesting life cover to the value of R4-million. Oddly enough, he wanted to make his boss the beneficiary.
The policy was approved and the first premiums were paid at the beginning of November 2012. After Mr Rabilal’s death, suspicions were raised. A voice comparison was conducted and it was determined the voice of the person who initially took out life cover in 2012, matched the voice which lodged a claim shortly after Mr Rabilal’s death.
Mr Bisnath was identified as the culprit following an intense investigation. The 56-year-old was arrested at his business premises and charged with fraud. With R10-million in immovable property to his name, it is unclear why Mr Bisnath would commit insurance fraud.
While extreme cases like this rarely occur on Newcastle’s doorstep, the community nonetheless expressed shock and horror about the accused’s alleged actions.
A man was brutally killed for money, and he was not even that aware a trusted colleague had taken an insurance policy in his name. Attempts to contact the accused at his place of business proved fruitless.
