Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 9: A homoeopathy student from Mangaluru, who also worked as a priest’s assistant during his free hours, has reportedly been cheated of Rs 31.99 lac after falling prey to an online investment scam promising exceptionally high returns. The case has been registered at the CEN police station.
According to the complaint, the student used to earn some income by assisting in pujas, homas, havans, and other religious rituals. He had saved this money and deposited it in his bank account. In November, he received a WhatsApp message introducing him to “DBS Trading,” claiming that daily profits of 5% to 10% could be earned through investments. The message further assured an unbelievable 800% return by the end of December for higher investments.
Influenced by these promises, the student began following the instructions sent by unknown individuals. A woman identifying herself as Meena Bhat frequently guided him through WhatsApp messages, urging him to invest more money. Trusting her advice, he transferred amounts in multiple transactions to various accounts between November 5 and 26. To raise the funds, he even pledged the gold kept at home, ultimately transferring a total of Rs 31,99,800.
When he later requested withdrawal of his investment, the fraudsters demanded additional deposits, claiming taxes and other charges had to be paid before any refund could be processed. Alarmed, the student consulted family members and friends, only to realise that he had been cheated.
The complainant has urged the police to take strict action against those who deceived him and illegally siphoned off the money.
Police investigation is underway.