Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (SP)
Beltangady, Sep 19: Going by the way things are progressing in the complaint filed against promoters of Varidhi Enterprises which was operating in the town as well as Moodbidri, Karkala, Sullia, Puttur and Madikeri, there is little hope for its customers of getting back their money.
File photo of accused
The concern, which was functioning from Havishya Complex near Santhekatte here had lured customers to enroll themselves for a scheme through which they were to contribute at the rate of Rs 100 per week for 50 weeks. Those who were lucky enough to find their names in the weekly draws were eligible to take home electronic items or furniture costing Rs 5,000, the company had said. These people were not required to pay anything thereafter. On the other hand, others who were not as lucky, were promised with the offer of items of their choice at the end of the 50-week period.
Relating to the case, Yashwant from Markanja Sootegadde House here, Ballakka Mane Suresh from Markanja and Niranjan from Markanja, who were operating the company, were arrested, while the other partner, Bharat from Guttigar House here has been absconding.
The rural police, during the interrogation of the persons charged with defraduing the public, were led to different places in connection with investigation. The arrested accused reportedly told the police that they had made payment to a Mumbai-based person to buy things which they intended to deliver to customers. The police visited a number of shops in Mumbai named by the alleged fraudsters, but had to return empty-handed as all these shops had downed their shutters, it is said. On completion of police custody, the accused were sent back to judicial custody by the court.
The accused will also be questioned by policemen of other stations as and when cases filed in those courts come up for hearing. It is said that the concern paid a commission of Rs 1,500 to agents towards enrollment of every member. Naturally, this should have soundedwarning bells in the minds of customers who fell to the lure of making fast buck.
One hopes that the people take proper care before enrolling themselves for such schemes at least now onwards.