Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Oct 28: Hundreds of victims of the multi-crore AgriGold investment fraud case thronged the Udupi district superintendent of police’s office following rumours that their lost money would be refunded.
Police are collecting documents from customers who invested in the Andhra Pradesh-based AgriGold company and lost their money.
A system has been introduced to issue tokens to only 150 customers a day for document collection and verification. However, rumours of a possible refund triggered a sudden rush, with hundreds of victims, particularly women, arriving at the SP’s office in the hope of recovering their investments.
The large turnout led to confusion and a scramble for tokens, with several women urging the police to accommodate them. Police personnel attempted to pacify the crowd and explain the document collection process.
Women constitute a significant proportion of those affected by the alleged fraud, and many have been visiting the office in the hope of recovering their investments. The rush was reportedly triggered by refund rumours, which caused confusion among the victims. However, the rumours should not be treated as confirmation that refunds will be issued.
The police have announced a schedule for AgriGold bondholders from Hebri taluk. On October 29, 2026, documents will be collected from bondholders from all villages in Hebri taluk. On October 30, customers from Muniyalu and surrounding villages will be accommodated, while on October 31, the process will be conducted for customers from Ajekaru and surrounding villages. Only customers from Hebri taluk will be permitted to attend on these three days.
Tokens will be issued to only the first 150 customers arriving each day, with distribution beginning at 8 am. Customers who are unable to attend in person due to disability, illness or other health-related issues may send their agents or relatives to submit the relevant bonds on their behalf. Those who are physically incapacitated, pregnant or suffering from medical conditions must produce the relevant medical certificates, either personally or through their relatives.
November 1 will be a holiday. Details regarding customers from other taluks and districts, starting November 2, will be announced by the evening of October 31. Customers from Hebri taluk who are unable to submit their documents on October 29, 30 or 31 will be informed of the next date.
The police have advised customers to follow the designated schedule and avoid unnecessary crowding at the SP’s office.