Ludhiana, March 20 -- A budding actress has alleged that she was duped of over Rs.19 lakh by a man posing as a Punjabi film producer, who allegedly lured her with promises of acting opportunities and help in resolving her brother's marital dispute.

The Division No. 5 police have registered a case of cheating against Mandeep Singh Grewal alias Ravi, along with Gurmeet Kaur and Noorpreet Singh, all residents of Bassian Bet village. Police said an investigation has been initiated.

According to the complaint filed by Surinder Kaur, a librarian at Punjabi Bhawan associated with the Punjabi Sahit Academy and also an artist in Punjabi films, she came in contact with the accused during a film shoot. She alleged that Grewal introduced himself as...