Bailhongal Man Loses ₹9.23 Lakh in Online Investment Scam

A resident of Bailhongal has lost ₹9.23 lakh after falling prey to an online investment scam operated through a fake company named Orionex Markets.

The victim, identified as Praveen Anant Renike, lodged a complaint at the District Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police Station in Belagavi after realizing he had been duped.

According to police, Praveen received a WhatsApp message on October 13 from an unknown number that appeared linked to his bank account. The sender claimed that the price of gold was surging and that investing in Orionex Markets would yield high returns.

Trusting the message, Praveen clicked on a link that led to a website resembling an official investment platform and entered his personal details. An account was created in his name, and he transferred money in multiple transactions amounting to ₹9,23,948.

However, when he later attempted to withdraw his supposed profits, all communication with the operators ceased. Realizing he had been cheated, Praveen reported the matter to the cyber police.

Officials have launched an investigation and urged the public to remain cautious of online investment offers promising unusually high returns.