‘Rice pulling’ scam busted: 2 held

Bengaluru: The city police have arrested two accused for cheating several people across the city by convincing them to invest in a ‘rice-puller’, supposedly a high-end machine which international agencies like NASA are interested in purchasing because of its ability to generate energy. Though such a machine does not exist, the scam has become so widespread that it now goes by the name ‘rice pulling’ scam. It is touted as a device that can draw grains of rice towards itself, and has capabilities that appeal to researchers in the fi eld of nuclear energy and aeronautics. The accused were identifi ed by the police as Vignesh, 37, a resident of Nagarabhavi and Nagaraju, 45, a resident of Mulabagilu in Kolar district. Byatarayanapura police station offi cials suspect that more people may be involved in the scam and have launched a probe. The police said the duo convinced their victims by showing a mysterious metal jar, which they claim has magnifi cent properties including isotope radiation to attract wealth. Based on complaints fi led by two of the victims, the Byatarayanapura police carried out the arrests.