Free Monthly Groceries Scheme: Senior Citizen Lodges Police Complaint Alleging Scam; Probe Underway

Coimbatore: A 70-year-old retired government employee has lodged a complaint with Kattoor Police alleging he was cheated after investing ₹8,000 in a scheme that promised free monthly supplies of rice and groceries. Police have registered a case and are searching for the man accused of collecting crores of rupees from the public through similar schemes. George William, a resident of C.K. Colony in New Sidhapudur, reportedly noticed large numbers of people visiting an office near Sheela Hospital on East Power House Road in Tatabad a few months ago. On making enquiries, he learnt that Davidson Annachi alias Natarajan, 51, a native of Thenthamaraikulam in Kanyakumari district, was allegedly operating several attractive savings schemes. According to the complaint, the scheme promised that people who invested a specified amount would receive rice and other grocery items free of cost every month. Believing the offer to be genuine, George William allegedly paid ₹8,000 from his personal savings and enrolled in the scheme. However, even after the completion of the stipulated payment period, he allegedly did not receive the promised rice or grocery supplies. When he subsequently visited the office to enquire about the matter, he reportedly found that the establishment had been closed. According to the police, George William then learnt that Davidson had collected money from members of the public by offering various schemes and had subsequently shut down the establishment. Following his complaint, Katoor Police registered a case under Sections 21(1) and 21(2) of the BUDS Act, 2019, and Section 318(4) of the BNS, and launched an investigation.