Panchkula, March 31 -- A Dhakoli resident was duped of Rs.35.11 lakh by four individuals, including a couple, under the guise of lucrative returns in an import business, police said.

The victim has been identified as Ajit Singh from Zirakpur.

The accused have been identified as Anil Kumar and his wife from Dhakoli, Happy of Sonepat and Balram of Sirsa.

The victim, Ajit, in his complaint to police, said he runs a transportation business. He met Anil and his wife, who operate a boutique. The couple talked him into investing money with them on promises of high returns in the machinery and spare parts import business, claiming a minimum of 20pc annual return on investment, he said.

"They introduced me to Happy, portraying him as an expert...