In a shocking incident that has left authorities stunned, five young men from Gujarat found themselves facing an astronomical bar bill of nearly ₹1.8 crore after what appears to be an elaborate scam at a Rajasthan establishment.
The Night That Turned Into a Nightmare
The group of friends, all in their early twenties, had traveled from Ahmedabad to Udaipur for what should have been a routine weekend getaway. Their evening took an alarming turn when they visited a local bar and restaurant near the Rajasthan-Gujarat border area.
According to police reports, the youths were presented with a final bill that left them in complete disbelief - a staggering ₹1,79,38,350 for what should have been a modest evening out.
Police Investigation Uncovers Elaborate Scam
The Udaipur police have since launched a comprehensive investigation into what they believe was a carefully orchestrated fraud. Preliminary findings suggest the establishment employed multiple deceptive practices:
- Massive overcharging for standard menu items
- Addition of numerous unordered products and services
- Manipulation of billing software to inflate charges
- Alleged intimidation tactics when customers questioned the bill
Victims Speak Out About Harrowing Experience
One of the affected youths, who wished to remain anonymous, described the scene as "terrifying." "We went for a simple dinner and drinks, nothing extravagant. When they showed us the bill, we thought it was a joke. Then the staff became aggressive and threatened us when we refused to pay," he recounted.
The group immediately contacted local authorities, who intervened and prevented what could have escalated into a violent confrontation.
Broader Implications for Tourism and Business Ethics
This incident has raised serious concerns about consumer protection in border areas popular with tourists. Local business associations have condemned the establishment's actions, emphasizing that such practices damage the reputation of legitimate businesses in the region.
Police officials have assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway, with potential charges including fraud, extortion, and violation of consumer protection laws. The establishment in question has been temporarily closed pending the outcome of the investigation.
This case serves as a stark reminder for tourists to remain vigilant and immediately contact authorities when faced with suspicious billing practices, especially when traveling across state borders.
