A suspected employment-linked investment scam has come to light in Karnataka’s Haveri district, where hundreds of women have accused the operators of a work-from-home scheme of collecting crores of rupees before allegedly disappearing.
The scheme reportedly promised participants a steady monthly income through home-based packing work involving products such as incense sticks, candles, camphor, dhoop, and other household items. Investors were also encouraged to make upfront deposits in exchange for assured monthly returns.
The controversy centers around an entity operating as SLV Mahila Mart, also known as SLV Women’s Mart. According to complainants, the operation was promoted by Vinayak Anveri of Nelogal village in Haveri taluk and an associate named Ramya. They allegedly claimed the business operated through 9 branches across Karnataka and offered a secure self-employment opportunity for women.
Victims allege they were promised returns of ₹26,000 per month for every ₹1 lakh invested. Many women said they initially received payments for a few months, which increased their confidence and encouraged further investments. However, the payments later stopped, and investors claim they have been unable to recover either their returns or their original deposits.
Several families reportedly invested life savings after being assured that the scheme was legitimate. One investor, Shankramma from Joyisaraharalahalli in Ranebennur taluk, said she initially invested ₹1 lakh and received payouts for 4 months. Encouraged by those payments, she later invested another ₹2 lakh before the company allegedly ceased operations.
To raise funds, some families reportedly mortgaged homes, pledged agricultural properties, or borrowed money from private lenders. Authorities estimate that between ₹8 crore and ₹10 crore may have been collected through the scheme, although the final figure will be determined during the investigation.
The situation escalated when a large group of affected women gathered outside the Haveri Town Police Station demanding action. They alleged that the main promoter has been missing for several days and is no longer responding to calls.
Haveri Town Police Station Inspector Motilal Pawar has taken charge of the case and directed complainants to submit detailed statements along with supporting documents, including payment receipts, bank records, and investment-related paperwork.
Police are expected to examine financial transactions, payment records, and business operations to determine the extent of the alleged fraud. Officials believe additional victims may come forward as the investigation progresses.
The case highlights growing concerns around schemes that combine employment promises with investment requirements, often attracting individuals with assurances of high returns and low risk. Financial experts continue to advise investors to verify company credentials and exercise caution when approached with guaranteed income opportunities.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to determine the full extent of the alleged losses.
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