Bagalkot, July 13 -- A major financial fraud allegedly involving crores of rupees has surfaced in Bilagi town of Bagalkot district, where thousands of women claim they were cheated through a women's self-help organisation. The alleged scam has triggered outrage, with affected members approaching the Bilagi Police seeking action against the organisation's staff.

The accused have been identified as Vidya Hallur, president of the Durgadevi Mahila and Rural Development Organisation, and its secretary Rachana Bantanur. According to the complainants, the duo floated more than 170 women's groups across Bilagi taluk and collected weekly deposits of Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 from thousands of women, promising attractive returns after three year...