A 50-year-old Mangaluru resident has complained to police that he has lost ₹23.10 lakh to an online investment fraud.
In the complaint registered at the Mangaluru North police, the victim said he got in touch with one Mohan Patil through Facebook and on latter’s advice he joined “VIP21 Indian Day trader” WhatsApp group. Investments and withdrawals by the victim and 162 members of the group was managed by one Ravi through his “Totem-In” app.
The victim further stated that Mohan Patil asked him to join another Whatsapp group “QIB” (Qualified Institutional Buyer) promising good return for investment in select stocks in India and US. The victim transferred a total of ₹ 23.10 lakh between January 12 and January 31 to bank accounts mentioned by Patil. The Totem-In app showed ₹ 47 lakh in victim’s account. When he sought for release of the amount, he was told to invest further of ₹ 18 lakh. Realising that he has been cheated, he called the National Cyber Helpline 1930 on February 1 and lodged the complaint against Patil and Ravi. This complaint was forwarded to the Mangaluru North Police Station, which registered it offences under provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act.
Published – February 04, 2026 09:52 pm IST
