Yadgir, 20 Nov

A case has been registered at Shahapur Police Station against seven members of a family for allegedly cheating 13 women of Rs 31.45 lakh under the pretext of securing houses and residential plots through a government SC/ST scheme. 

The complaint, filed by Rupa Badigeri, names Vijayalakshmi Halaswami, Halaswami, Narasannagouda, Urakundayya and Ranganna among the accused.

According to the complaint, Vijayalakshmi claimed she had contacts at the SC/ST Head Office in Bengaluru and could secure housing benefits. Believing her assurances, Rupa and 13 others paid money in instalments over several years but received neither houses nor plots. When they demanded refunds, the women were allegedly assaulted and subjected to casteist abuse.

The complaint states that Vijayalakshmi collected Rs 19,600 and Rs 45,000 from each woman at various times, citing the need to pay advances to officials. The group reportedly transferred Rs 16.45 lakh through PhonePe and paid another Rs 15 lakh in cash, totalling Rs 31.45 lakh.