Shimoga: Man from Udupi falls prey to fraudster, loses Rs 5 lac

Daijiworld Media Network

Shimoga, Mar 18: A gang of fraudsters who cheat innocents by selling fake gold is said to be on the prowl in Shimoga district. A man from Mandya had fallen prey to their tricks recently, and now a native of Udupi is said to have become their latest victim.

Udupi Iskcon Temple manager Rajesh has filed a complaint in Vinobanagar police station in Shimoga of having been looted of Rs 5 lac by the gang.

During his visit to Dharmasthala, Rajesh got aquainted by a man aged around 50-55 years, who introduced himself as a native of Hosahalli in Shimoga and took Rajesh's mobile number.

A few days later, the man called up Rajesh and said that he had some old gold ornaments to sell. He said he was selling them as he needed money to marry off his three daughters. He claimed that being an illiterate, he did not trust anyone as he might get cheated.

"As you are engaged in god's work, you will not cheat me. I will sell the gold to you," he reportedly told Rajesh.

Rajesh, who believed the man's words, went to Shimoga and met him. He was taken to Machenahalli and given a piece of real gold jewellery, which he took back to Udupi and got it examined. On learning that the gold was real, he decided to trust the man and buy the rest of the jewellery.

As per their agreement, Rajesh returned to Shimoga with Rs 5 lac. The man instructed Rajesh to meet him at an isolated spot near Sominakoppa on the outskirts of the city. He then exchanged the jewellery for the money and left the place along with his assistant.

Later, when Rajesh examined the gold jewellery, to his utter shock he realized that the gold was fake and he had been cheated of Rs 5 lac. The man's mobile phone too was switched off.

He then lodged a complaint with the Vinobanagar police, who are investigating the case.