Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur

Kundapur, Oct 6: In a shocking case of betrayal and fraud, a 60-year-old woman from Bijadi village has filed a police complaint against a man who allegedly took Rs 4.5 lac in cash and her gold chain under the pretext of investing in agriculture, only to disappear without repayment.

The accused, identified as Santosh (50), a resident of Bidkalkatte, is alleged to have befriended Teresa Mendonca while she was working as a distributor for Herbalife Nutrition products. The two became acquainted through her work, and over time, Santosh reportedly gained her trust.

According to Teresa, around three years ago, Santosh approached her claiming he required financial support for his farmland. He assured her that once the crops were harvested and sold, he would return the money along with additional profit.

“He said the returns would be good and promised to pay back more than what I gave him,” Teresa stated in her complaint.

Trusting his word, she handed over a total of Rs 4.5 lac in cash. Not stopping there, Santosh allegedly also took her gold chain, claiming he needed to pledge it at the bank to raise further funds for his farming venture.

However, Teresa says she received neither the promised returns nor her gold chain. Matters worsened when, three months ago, she needed funds to pay the interest on the gold loan. She attempted to contact Santosh, only to be told he had no money. Shortly afterwards, he reportedly blocked her number, cutting all communication.

“I kept calling him, but he didn’t respond. Then he blocked my number. That’s when I realised I had been cheated,” she said.

Teresa has now filed a formal complaint at the local police station, alleging she has been defrauded and misled under false promises. A case has been registered against Santosh, and police have initiated an investigation.