Bengaluru woman who hosted kitty parties arrested with accomplice over Rs 20 crore fraud

The police have registered at least two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Savita at Govindaraja Nagar and Basaveshwaranagar stations. According to officers, she targeted multiple women from financially strong backgrounds and siphoned off crores of rupees under the guise of lucrative investment opportunities.

Investigators revealed that Savita’s strategy involved infiltrating affluent social circles by posing as a social worker, realtor, and gold trader with strong political connections. “She reached out to women on social media, especially those with active social lives and disposable incomes. Savita claimed she imported gold from abroad and offered to double their money through real estate investments and business ventures,” an investigating officer explained.

Savita frequently hosted kitty parties, either at her residence or other venues, to build trust with potential victims. During these informal gatherings, she would boast about having access to cheap foreign gold, private television tenders, and high-value property deals that promised exceptional returns.

“Many victims were convinced by her confidence and networking abilities. Some handed over cash directly, while others made online transfers. Puneet would then help divert these funds into gold purchases and household goods. In reality, she was quietly operating a chit-fund business in Basaveshwaranagar,” an officer said.

Her fraudulent scheme unravelled when investors began demanding returns after more than a year. Unable to repay the promised amounts or fulfil the guaranteed interest rates, Savita faced mounting pressure from victims. Eventually, nearly 30 women filed police complaints.

A police officer said Savita had taken photos with several politicians, including the chief minister and deputy chief minister, besides film personalities and celebrities. “A film music director may also be involved in the cheating. We are investigating,” the officer added.

Earlier, a woman had approached Govindaraja Nagar police station alleging that Savita had taken money from her. Then, a notice was served on the accused, who appeared before the police. However, the case was settled after they arrived at a compromise and the victim withdrew the complaint as Savita reportedly settled her money. But no one anticipated that she would have cheated so many people, the officer said.