BELAGAVI: In a shocking case of fraud, over 8,000 women in Belagavi have been duped of more than ₹12 crore by a man from Maharashtra who promised them “work from home” jobs involving agarbatti (incense stick) packing.
For more details : https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2025/Oct/27/over-8000-women-duped-of-crores-in-belagavi
The accused, who initially identified himself as Ajay Patil, is reportedly Babasaheb Kolekar, a resident of Solapur, Maharashtra. He had set up an office and rented accommodation in Belagavi, from where he operated the fake job scheme before fleeing the city.
According to the victims, each woman was asked to pay ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 as a deposit for creating an ID under the pretext of receiving incense sticks to pack at home. The women were promised a monthly income of ₹2,500 and were encouraged to enroll others to increase their earnings — a classic chain-marketing model.
When the promised payments did not arrive, several women realised they had been cheated. On Sunday, a group of victims approached the Belagavi City Police Commissioner demanding strict action against the accused.
“My husband expired recently. I joined this scheme to support my family. Many women joined because of mouth-to-mouth publicity. The police should arrest the accused and help us get our money back,” said Laxmi Kamble, one of the victims.
Local sources say the accused had also hired six to seven autorickshaws to deliver incense sticks to women’s homes, adding to the illusion of legitimacy.
“Even my wife invested ₹20,000 in this scheme and was cheated,” said Govind Lamani, an autorickshaw driver.
Police have launched an investigation and are coordinating with Maharashtra police to trace the absconding accused.
Authorities have urged citizens, especially women, to remain cautious of online and offline job offers that require upfront payments or operate through referral-based recruitment models.
Read also : 5 Secrets Behind The CM Demand for Kittur Status
