Haveri: A couple allegedly collected more than Rs 10 crore from hundreds of women by promising self-employment opportunities and work-from-home packaging jobs before disappearing, triggering outrage among victims in Karnataka's Haveri district.

According to complaints, Vinayak Anveri and his wife Ramya had opened an office under the name "SLV Mahila Mart and Marketing" in Ashwini Nagar, Haveri. They allegedly offered women home-based packaging work involving products such as incense sticks, candles and camphor, claiming that the jobs would provide a steady source of income.

To secure the work, women were reportedly asked to deposit amounts ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 5 lakh. The couple allegedly assured investors of attractive returns, including a monthly income of Rs 26,000 on an investment of Rs 1 lakh, convincing many women to part with their savings.

Victims allege that after collecting money from hundreds of women, the couple suddenly shut down the office and went missing. Many of those affected claim to have invested their life savings in the scheme and are now seeking legal action and recovery of their money.

The women, accompanied by local advocates, approached the Haveri Town Police Station on Tuesday and demanded strict action against the accused. Advocate Naveen Mulagund and Manjunath Aralikatti said complaints were being submitted to ensure justice for the victims and urged authorities to arrest Vinayak Anveri at the earliest and facilitate the return of the investors' funds.

Police officials have advised the complainants to submit documentary evidence along with their complaints and said an FIR would be registered and an investigation launched upon receipt of formal complaints.

A case has been initiated and efforts are underway to trace the absconding couple. Based on allegations made by the victims, the total amount involved in the suspected fraud is estimated to exceed Rs 10 crore.