Woman, claiming to be movie director & life coach, swindles follower of Rs 6.5 lakh in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A woman claiming to be a film director and life coach has been booked for allegedly cheating a follower of Rs 6.5 lakh, the police said on Thursday.

Following directions from the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court, an FIR was registered against Vismaya Gowda, 34, at the Basaveshwara Nagar police station on February 28.

The complainant, Himanvi from Shakthi Ganapathi Nagar, alleged that she met Vismaya through Instagram in 2019. Vismaya had introduced herself as a movie director and life coach on the platform.

According to the FIR, Himanvi attended Vismaya’s “manifestation classes” a few times. In February 2024, Vismaya allegedly met her in person and sought financial help, citing difficulties.

Himanvi lent her Rs 6.50 lakh and later received a postdated cheque for the amount. However, despite repeated requests, the money was not returned. Himanvi later learned from the bank that the cheque had a signature mismatch.

A case has been registered under sections related to cheating, a senior officer said, adding that an investigation is underway.