Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Jul 12: A number of people here have been feeling cheated in the guise of a scheme launched by Varidhi Enterprises functioning at Havishka Complex near Santhekatte here. On Friday July 11, a large number of people laid siege to the office of the above concern and forced it to close its doors.

Sensing trouble, policemen of the local station visited the spot and took the staff of the concern away.

It is learnt that this business concern had floated a scheme as per which members are invited to accumulate deposit of Rs 5,000 with the firm through weekly installments of Rs 100 each for 50 weeks. The company had published that members are eligible to win motor bike, sco oty, gold ornaments, LCD television set etc through bumper prizes, which are decided through lots periodically. A member who gets the bumper prize need not pay future installments due, the firm had said. Those who continue with the scheme till the end without getting any bumper prizes, were offered items like bicycle, mixer, grinder, dining table etc.

Approximately 1,500 people had become members under the initial scheme, and the firm claims to have disbursed bumper prizes to 800. The remaining 700 are yet to receive their items. Some of them, who took home the items given by the concern, have complained of getting substandard goods. Many said they got mixer worth Rs 2,800, sofar set worth Rs 3,100, cupboard worth Rs 3,500 or dining table with a price tag of Rs 3,000 instead getting items worth Rs 5000 deposited by them.

The concern is learnt to have launched its second scheme even as many members under the first scheme are waiting for their items. As per an estimate, 800 members have been enrolled in this new scheme. The leaflet issued by the firm claims that the scheme is run through Varidhi Charitable Trust. Schemes are also run by the concern in other places like Sullia, Madikeri and Puttur, it is gathered.

The company sources however said that its schemes are genuine and that it will not cheat any of its customers. It said that items required to be given to members who are yet to receive them, will be delivered in phases.