Three Chennai Men Arrested in Bhatkal for Defrauding Hundreds Through Fake Discount Scheme

Bhatkal: Police have arrested three men from Chennai who allegedly cheated hundreds of residents in Bhatkal by running a fraudulent electronics and household goods store before disappearing with lakhs of rupees in advance payments.

The accused Balaji alias Ganeshan, Thiyagarajan, and Mayanthan alias Rajesh were apprehended in Mangalore and are scheduled to appear before the District Court in Karwar for remand proceedings.

The trio operated a store called Global Enterprises on Car Street near Marikatta in Bhatkal. They lured customers with an attractive offer: household and electronic items at half the market price. However, there was a catch buyers had to pay the full amount upfront, with delivery promised within 10 to 15 days.

The scheme worked smoothly until November 5, when customers who arrived to collect their purchased items found the shop locked and the owners nowhere to be found. The accused had vanished after collecting substantial sums from unsuspecting buyers.

News of the fraud spread quickly, and hundreds of angry customers gathered outside the shuttered store. In the chaos that followed, some people forced their way inside and took away furniture and other items left behind, including sofas, which were seen being loaded into autos and vehicles.

Police sources revealed that customers who made purchases before October 28 received their goods as promised. It was only those who paid after this date who were duped, suggesting the accused had planned their escape in advance.

So far, approximately 240 victims have registered formal complaints at Bhatkal police station. Authorities confirmed that the arrested men will be brought to Bhatkal for detailed questioning after their court appearance in Karwar.

Police are now searching for four additional suspects believed to be involved in the operation. The investigation continues as officers work to determine the full extent of the fraud.

Authorities have issued a stern warning to individuals who removed goods from the shop premises on November 5. Police stated that CCTV footage from cameras installed inside and outside the store has captured clear images of those who took items.

“We are requesting everyone who took goods from the shop to return them to the police station immediately,” a police source said. “We have identified the individuals through CCTV recordings. If the items are not returned voluntarily, we will be forced to take strict legal action.”

The police have urged cooperation from the public as they work to resolve the case and recover funds for the victims.