Haveri: Allegations of a fraud exceeding Rs 10 crore have surfaced against SLV Mahila Mart and Marketing, with victims claiming the company collected huge sums from women by promising lucrative work-from-home opportunities.Addressing a press conference in Haveri on Friday, Manjunath, head of an association representing the victims, alleged that the company lured women with promises of home-based packing work for incense sticks and camphor. Women were allegedly asked to invest amounts ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10 lakh and were assured monthly salaries based on their deposits.He said the company also promised profit-sharing linked to the size of the investment. To gain the trust of investors, it reportedly paid returns for three to four months before the operators suddenly disappeared.According to Manjunath, several families invested substantial amounts, including up to Rs 5 lakh, hoping to supplement their household income. The scheme allegedly ran for nearly nine months and affected more than 1,000 women. Victims suspect the fraud may exceed Rs 10 crore.A complaint was filed at Haveri Town police station on July 13, but no arrests had been made so far, he said, expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of clarity regarding the investigation’s progress.He further alleged that some women pawned their gold ornaments without informing their husbands to invest in the scheme. The resulting financial distress reportedly pushed some women to the verge of suicide, though they were counselled and prevented from taking the extreme step. He warned that further tragedies could occur if swift action was not taken.The allegations have been levelled against Vinayak Anaveri of Nelogal, Ramya G, Viresh Anaveri, Ramya Viresh Anaveri, Jayashree Anaveri and Manjunath Anaveri.
