Mangaluru: Victims who claim they were cheated under the New India Lucky Scheme staged a protest demonstration near the Mini Vidhana Soudha Clock Tower on Thursday, demanding justice and strict action against those responsible for the alleged fraud. The protest saw aggrieved investors gathering in large numbers, raising slogans and expressing anger over what they described as a massive financial scam that ruined their livelihoods.
The protesters alleged that the New India Lucky Scheme, which was promoted as a lottery-based investment plan, had defrauded people of hundreds of crores of rupees. They accused the organisers of misleading the public with false promises of high returns and urged authorities to take immediate and decisive action to prevent similar frauds in the future.
Demands for strict punishment and justice
The protesters demanded severe punishment for the main accused, whom they alleged was responsible for cheating thousands of people across the region. According to them, many victims had invested their life savings, borrowed money, or pledged jewellery after being lured by assurances of quick and guaranteed returns.
Holding placards and shouting slogans, the demonstrators said justice had been delayed and insisted that the accused be brought to book without further delay. Several speakers at the protest said the alleged fraud had pushed families into severe financial distress, with some victims struggling to meet daily expenses and repay debts.
They also demanded that the government ensure speedy investigation and prosecution so that victims could regain confidence in the legal system.
Call to curb blade companies and lottery scams
A major demand raised during the protest was the need to protect the public from so-called blade companies operating in the city. Protesters alleged that such companies exploit financially vulnerable people by offering loans at exorbitant interest rates and by promoting risky and illegal investment schemes.
The victims urged authorities to shut down fraudulent lottery businesses that operate under the guise of legal schemes. They claimed that the New India Lucky Scheme functioned in a similar manner, collecting money from investors without proper authorisation or regulatory oversight.
Protesters said strict monitoring and enforcement were required to ensure that such schemes do not resurface under new names, continuing to cheat unsuspecting citizens.
Victims narrate their ordeals
During the demonstration, several victims shared their personal experiences and financial hardships. Some said they had invested small amounts initially and received returns, which convinced them to invest larger sums later. Others claimed they were encouraged to bring in friends and relatives, creating a chain that ultimately collapsed.
Many alleged that when payments stopped, attempts to contact the organisers failed, and offices were either shut or vacated. This left victims with no clarity on how to recover their money.
The emotional testimonies highlighted the psychological stress faced by families, including anxiety, depression and social stigma. Protesters said the mental trauma caused by the alleged fraud was as damaging as the financial loss.
Demand for government intervention
The protesters urged the state government and district administration to intervene directly in the matter. They demanded the formation of a special investigation team to probe the alleged scam and trace the money collected from investors.
They also called for steps to recover assets from the accused and use them to compensate victims, at least partially. According to the protesters, many victims are from economically weaker sections and cannot afford prolonged legal battles.
The demonstrators appealed to elected representatives to raise the issue at higher levels and ensure policy measures to prevent the mushrooming of unregulated investment and lottery schemes.
Police and administration urged to act
The protest remained largely peaceful, with police personnel deployed in the area to maintain law and order. Protesters said their agitation would continue until concrete action was taken and visible progress was made in the case.
They also urged the police to create greater public awareness about fraudulent schemes and to act swiftly on complaints to prevent large-scale cheating. According to them, timely intervention could have reduced the number of victims.
Conclusion
The protest near the Mini Vidhana Soudha Clock Tower underscored growing public anger over alleged financial frauds and the demand for stronger safeguards against illegal investment schemes. As victims continue to seek justice, the demonstration has put pressure on authorities to accelerate investigations, punish those responsible, and take preventive measures to protect the public from similar scams in the future.