A major alleged employment-linked investment scam has surfaced in Karnataka’s Haveri district, where dozens of women have accused the operators of a work-from-home scheme of collecting crores of rupees from the public before allegedly disappearing. The victims claim they were promised steady monthly income through home-based packing assignments and persuaded to invest large sums of money, only to find that payments eventually stopped and the key promoter became untraceable.
According to complaints made by affected women, the scheme was promoted as an opportunity to earn regular income from home by packing products such as incense sticks, candles, camphor, dhoop and other household items. Participants were allegedly told that the company had multiple branches across Karnataka and that they could secure long-term earnings by making an upfront investment. The promise of employment combined with attractive monthly returns convinced many families to join the programme.
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The SLV Mahila Mart Bait
The controversy specifically centers around an entity operating under the name SLV Mahila Mart (also referred to as SLV Women’s Mart). The face of the operation, identified by locals as Vinayak Anveri from Nelogal village in Haveri taluk alongside an associate named Ramya, allegedly convinced hundreds of rural women that the firm was a certified self-employment driver. They claimed the network operated nine distinct branches across the state to handle widespread retail distribution.
Victims allege that the operators encouraged deposits ranging from tens of thousands of rupees to several lakh rupees. In return, investors were reportedly assured fixed monthly payouts linked to the amount invested. The promoters specifically promised a lucrative return of ₹26,000 per month for every ₹1 lakh deposited. Several women stated that they initially received payments for a few months, reinforcing confidence in the scheme and prompting them to invest additional money. However, the payments allegedly stopped thereafter, leaving investors unable to recover either their expected returns or their principal amount.
Escalating Personal and Debt Liabilities
Many complainants say they invested life savings after being assured that the opportunity was legitimate and financially secure. Shankramma, an affected investor from Joyisaraharalahalli in Ranebennur taluk, narrated that she initially deposited ₹1 lakh and received regular payouts for four months. Trusting the system, she subsequently poured in another ₹2 lakh, only to find the firm’s gates locked and the channels permanently blocked shortly after.
To raise these substantial pools, multiple families reportedly mortgaged ancestral houses, pledged agricultural property documents, or took out high-interest loans from local private lenders. Victims claim individual investments ranged from approximately ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh. Preliminary estimates compiled by enforcement squads suggest that between ₹8 crore and ₹10 crore may have been collected and subsequently diverted through the operation, although the exact amount involved will only become clear after a detailed investigation.
Police Interventions and Document Submissions
The controversy intensified when a large group of affected women gathered outside the town police station seeking immediate action. They alleged that the main individual associated with the scheme has been missing for several days and is no longer responding to calls or inquiries. The sudden disappearance has heightened fears among investors that they may have been defrauded.
Haveri Town Police Station Inspector Motilal Pawar has taken formal charge of the complaints. Police officials have asked the affected women to submit comprehensive formal statements along with all supporting documents, including payment slips, bank transaction histories, and signed investment-related paperwork. Investigators are expected to examine financial transactions, payment histories and business records to determine how much money was collected and whether criminal wrongdoing occurred. Authorities believe the full scale of the case will become clearer as additional victims come forward.
The Trap of Multi-Tier Ponzi Packages
Experts note that schemes combining employment opportunities with investment requirements have become increasingly common in recent years. Such operations often promise high returns, minimal risk and easy earnings, making them particularly attractive to individuals seeking additional income. In many alleged fraud cases, early participants receive payments that help build credibility and encourage larger investments before the flow of money eventually stops.
Financial advisers caution that individuals should independently verify the legal status, registration details and business model of any company before investing funds. They also warn consumers to be skeptical of schemes that guarantee unusually high monthly returns or require substantial deposits in exchange for employment opportunities.
The investigation is currently at an early stage, and authorities have not yet disclosed the final extent of the alleged losses. For the affected women, however, the focus remains on recovering their savings and ensuring accountability if wrongdoing is established. The case serves as another reminder of the risks associated with schemes that combine promises of easy income, work-from-home opportunities and investment-linked rewards, particularly when transparency and regulatory oversight are lacking.
