Hyderabad, March 27 -- A software engineer based in the United States has alleged that he was defrauded of Rs 10.3 crore by a couple who promised substantial returns through a purported casino venture that never materialised.

The complainant, K Karunakara Reddy, a native of Hyderabad's Humayun Nagar, reportedly met the accused-Mani Varaprasad and his wife, Mani Nagamani-during a visit to the city in 2021. The couple, who were introduced through mutual contacts, allegedly convinced him to invest in a proposed casino business, assuring high profits.

Business never launched

According to the complaint, Reddy transferred the money in several instalments between December 2021 and November 2022, trusting the assurances given by the duo. Howev...