Vadodara: A school principal and her husband have filed a complaint alleging that they were cheated of ₹2.87 lakh by a man who promised to send them to Mauritius as part of a cultural delegation. The case has been registered at Gorwa police station.

According to the complaint, Himesh Upendrabhai Ojha, a resident of Snehdhara Society, Subhanpura, stated that his wife Vandana, principal of C.K. Prajapati Vidyalaya on Lakshmipura Road, was approached in 2024 by Kanubhai Balubhai Patel, a resident of Gotri Road. Patel introduced himself as the Managing Director of several organizations, including Nataraj Group of Performing Arts, Savi Entertainment, and Malika Arts and Production.

He claimed that his groups frequently organized cultural programs abroad, including in Mauritius, the US, and Australia, to promote Indian culture, and that school principals and talented students were invited to participate as coordinators.

In January 2024, Patel reportedly sent them a PDF invitation letter on behalf of the Hindu House Group in Mauritius for a Yoga Day celebration scheduled on June 21, 2025. The document listed names of vice-presidents of reputed schools and universities in Vadodara, which convinced the couple of its authenticity. Patel assured them that the organization would bear all expenses.

However, he later cited delays, including a plane crash in Ahmedabad, and demanded money for various requirements such as medical documents and currency exchange. Between January and the following months, the complainants allegedly transferred ₹2,87,800 to Patel. Despite this, no visa or program arrangements were made.

Realizing they had been defrauded, the couple lodged a complaint at Gorwa police station. Police have booked Kanubhai Balubhai Patel under charges of cheating and fraud, and further investigation is underway.