Mangaluru: A 75-year-old senior citizen has been cheated of Rs 18.81 lakh after being lured with promises of high returns through online trading. A case has been registered at Kankanady Town Police Station.

According to the complaint, the incident began on December 6, 2025, when the victim came across a video on his mobile phone featuring a speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman related to online trading. Attracted by the content, he clicked on a link provided in the video and registered his details.

Soon after, he received a phone call from a woman who introduced herself as Meenakshi and explained the trading process. Following her instructions, the victim transferred Rs 21,000 to a bank account shared by her. He also opened a link sent via WhatsApp and entered his personal details.

On December 15, another woman identifying herself as Akshara Gowda, claiming to be an assistant to one Anand Unnikrishnan, contacted the victim. She provided further details about trading and assured him of higher profits.

Based on her instructions, the victim transferred money in multiple transactions from December 18 onwards, amounting to a total of Rs 18,81,000, to different bank accounts.

The accused had promised returns exceeding Rs 1 crore, convincing the victim to continue investing. Later, he realised that it was a fraud and approached the Kankanady Town Police Station.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.