Surat Ayurveda Practitioner Defrauded of Rs 58 Lakh in Elaborate Investment Scam
In a distressing case of financial deception, a woman ayurveda practitioner from Surat has reportedly been cheated out of a staggering Rs 58 lakh in an investment fraud scheme. The scam revolved around promises of substantial returns from investments in a firm identified as 'Norwela Ayurvedic Company'.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
The victim, Mital Rakholiya, who operates the Krishna Skin Care Centre in Surat's Mahidharpura area, initially invested a total of Rs 65 lakh into the venture. According to her complaint, she only received Rs 7 lakh back, leaving her with a massive loss of Rs 58 lakh. The accused, identified as Mukesh Ukani, has allegedly refused to return the remaining amount, prompting Rakholiya to take legal action.
How the Scam Unfolded
Rakholiya first encountered Ukani through his ayurvedic medicine business. In 2024, Ukani reportedly showed her photographs on his mobile phone, claiming they depicted his overseas company and a local unit in Surat. Using these images, he persuaded her to invest by guaranteeing significant profits.
Trusting his assurances, Rakholiya visited Ukani's office at Yogi Chowk. She then handed over her entire life savings, which included family gold and money borrowed from friends. The total sum of Rs 65 lakh was transferred to Ukani in multiple instalments.
Initial Returns and Subsequent Evasion
Initially, Ukani returned Rs 7 lakh in cash to Rakholiya. However, when she later demanded both the promised profits and the principal amount, he provided her with a promissory note and three signed cheques from Varachha Bank on August 1, 2024. Despite this, Ukani allegedly began evading her requests and eventually stopped responding to her calls altogether.
Legal Action Taken
After repeated attempts to recover her money failed, Rakholiya approached the Sarthana police station and filed a formal complaint. The case highlights the risks associated with high-return investment promises, especially in the ayurvedic and wellness sectors, where trust-based relationships can be exploited.
Key Points of the Case:
- Total investment: Rs 65 lakh
- Amount returned: Rs 7 lakh
- Net loss: Rs 58 lakh
- Accused: Mukesh Ukani
- Company involved: Norwela Ayurvedic Company
- Police complaint filed at Sarthana station
This incident serves as a stark reminder for individuals to exercise due diligence before committing large sums to investment opportunities, regardless of how trustworthy they may appear.
