Mangaluru: 57-year-old woman loses Rs 13.38 lakh in online fraud
Mangaluru: A 57-year-old woman from Mangaluru became the latest victim of an online fraud, losing Rs 13.38 lakh to a group of fraudsters posing as a London-based woman and her associates.
The complainant reported that in February, while watching reels on Facebook, she received a message from a woman named Lillian Mary George, who introduced herself as being from London, Deccan Herald reported on Wednesday.
The two began chatting, and over time, the woman built a rapport with the victim. On November 15, the complainant received a call from a woman named Sonali Gupta, who claimed that Lillian had just arrived at Mumbai International Airport. Gupta informed the victim that Lillian was carrying £25,000 in traveller’s cheques and 1 kg of gold, worth approximately Rs 30 lakh.
Lillian reportedly told the complainant that the money would be handed over shortly. However, citing various reasons, such as issues with currency exchange registration, customs declaration, money laundering charges, and other excuses, the fraudsters provided several different bank account numbers and urged the complainant to transfer money for various payments.
Falling into their trap, the complainant transferred a total of Rs 13.38 lakh in multiple installments. When she failed to receive the promised funds, she contacted the fraudsters, who assured her that the money would be refunded within two days. However, the promised refund never materialised.
A case has been registered at Mangaluru East Police Station, and authorities are investigating the matter further.
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Guv Gehlot clears bill paving way for Panchayat elections through ballots
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Act that will pave the way for holding the Panchayat elections through ballots instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Following the assent, the Act was notified in the state gazette on Wednesday.
The bill was passed by both houses of the Karnataka legislature in March during the budget session, amid protests by the opposition BJP.
As per the law, the principle of secrecy of the ballot is a cornerstone of free and fair elections, as recognised by the judiciary, which emphasised that the secrecy of the ballot protects voters from coercion, intimidation, and undue influence, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the democratic process in several judgments of the Supreme Court.
Some concerns have been raised regarding the functioning of EVMs, necessitating a return to the robust secret ballot paper system to restore public trust, according to the Act.
Justifying its decision, the Karnataka government said there is “a growing consensus on the need to strengthen electoral mechanisms that prioritise anonymity and transparency”.
