Udupi: A 65-year-old resident of Hebri has filed a police complaint, alleging he was cheated out of ₹31.58 lakh by individuals linked to a Bengaluru-based agro firm.
The complainant, a former material manager who retired in 2020 after working in Bengaluru, stated that an acquaintance named Rohith K, an employee of the agro company, persuaded him to invest with promises of substantial returns. Between September 14, 2021, and January 28, 2022, the man invested ₹5.5 lakh and received ₹2.5 lakh as returns initially.
However, in September 2024, the company reportedly ceased operations. Soon after, Rohith contacted him again, claiming that a large fund had been approved to reimburse investors, but additional payments were needed to cover processing fees and taxes.
Trusting this explanation, the complainant transferred large sums of money to accounts held by Rohith’s driver Nagaraj, associate Jagadish, and brother Pradeep. The transactions—made via PhonePe, Google Pay, and NEFT—were carried out between September 17, 2024, and June 5, 2025.
Despite repeated assurances, no repayment was made. Instead, the accused allegedly cut off communication and began issuing threats to the victim.
The Hebri police have registered a case under Sections 316(2), 318(4), 351(2), 351(3), and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Rohith, Pradeep, Nagaraj, Jagadish, and Lakshmi. Investigations are underway.
Read Also: