A significant scam has emerged in Rayachuru city, where numerous youths and students were deceived into paying to enter a fraudulent marathon purportedly organized by the Dr. Abdul Kalam Foundation, Maski. The scam was promoted via a flex banner on Station Road, which claimed participants could sign up for a marathon with cash prizes in Maski. The banner indicated that registration required a payment of Rs5,000, with Rs1,500 due as an advance. It promised substantial prizes, including Rs6 lakh for first place, Rs5 lakh for second, and Rs50,000 for seventh, creating an illusion of a major sporting event.
Many participants, misled by the advertisement, traveled from various parts of Karnataka, including Hassan, Bengaluru, Belagavi, Ballari, Vijayapura, Bagalkote, and even Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, only to find that the event’s listed address was nonexistent. The organizers allegedly turned off their phones after collecting the fees, leaving participants stranded. By late evening, numerous individuals were left without money and confused, with no accommodations in Rayachuru. Most victims were daily wage earners or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, some compelled to roam the streets due to a lack of available buses to return home. A local police team is investigating the incident and collecting details about the organizers. Victims have approached law enforcement, requesting stringent action to prevent further scams.
One victim stated, “This was a calculated attempt to exploit youth eager to participate in a sporting event. Many have traveled long distances and are now stranded. We urge the police to locate the culprits and ensure justice.” Authorities have recommended that the public verify such events before making payments and report any suspicious activities to avert similar scams.
