Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Aug 4: Owner of Srivara Jewellers, Balakrishna Bhat, who had surrendered to the police after remaining aloof for a number of days, was remanded to two days police custody by the court here on Monday August 3. Bhat, who faces case of cheating thousands of customers by enrolling them under monthly installments scheme and then failing to hand over gold ornaments to the winners of lottery as well customers whose accounts had matured for payment, had, on Sunday, been sent to judicial custody.

Both Balakrishna Bhat and his son, Varadesh, were produced in the court on Monday. The city police sought Balakrishna's police custody, and the court upheld their request. After his police custody period ended, Varadesh was produced before the judge on Sunday night. The judge had asked him to be presented in the court on Monday. Varadesh has been sent to 15 days judicial custody.

In the meantime, a complaint also stands filed at Madikeri against Srivara Jewellers, which had a branch in that town. It is said that a number of people from Kodagu district have been fleeced in the name of monthly scheme. The complaint was filed by K M Kishore, resident of Doddapulikote in Ballamavati, who was working as manager of Madikeri branch of the above concern. The number of customers who were deceived in Kodagu district and the quantum of money involved are yet to be assessed.