Belagavi, May 19 -- Shivananda Neelannavar, the prime accused in the alleged Rs 4,500-crore deposit fraud case, has been shifted to Bengaluru by the CID.

The probe was intensified after allegations surfaced that he lured investors with promises of high returns, including up to 36 per cent interest, before allegedly cheating them.

Neelannavar, who is the owner of Shivam Associates, was taken from the Malamaruti police station to Bengaluru on Monday under tight security. A CID team transported him in two vehicles after completing initial investigation procedures in Belagavi.

Officials also seized several items, including documents, a computer, a laptop, a pen drive, and mobile phones, which have been taken for detailed forensic examinati...