Pune: Chandannagar police are searching for a couple who allegedly duped at least 44 people of Rs 91 lakh by promising high returns on investments in shares through their broking firm.The duo allegedly collected money from the investors between 2021 and April this year. They initially returned some money to gain the investors’ confidence, but later stopped making payments. A 29-year-old fruit and vegetable vendor from Wadgaonsheri, who lost Rs 10 lakh, lodged a complaint with the police on Thursday.An officer from the Chandannagar police said, “The complainant came into contact with the couple in 2021 as they were his customers. The duo claimed to be investment consultants and assured him of handsome returns on investments made through them. They also claimed to run three investment firms authorised by the government and licensed by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India), the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) and the NSE (National Stock Exchange). Between 2022 and 2024, the complainant invested Rs16 lakh with the couple. He even obtained personal loans from different financial institutions to invest with them. Of the total amount, he received only Rs6 lakh,” the officer said.“The complainant also introduced his friends and family members to the couple, who also invested money with them. When they failed to get their returns or the principal amount back, they repeatedly contacted the couple but received no response. In April this year, the woman met them and assured them that their money would be returned after her husband came back from an outstation trip. However, she too stopped responding thereafter.” the officer added.
