DENPASAR, Bali – Bali police are investigating after an Indian tourist reported losing more than Rp140 million in cash in an alleged drugging and theft case in Kuta.

The victim, identified as 45-year-old Somwati, said the incident happened on Monday afternoon, just hours after she and her son checked into a five-star hotel in Kuta for a four-day holiday.

According to her account, they had just stepped outside the hotel when a car carrying a man, a woman and two children pulled over nearby. The group started a friendly conversation, praising India and chatting casually, which made them appear harmless.

Somwati said the encounter took a troubling turn when one of the individuals allegedly held out an object that gave off an unfamiliar smell.

“My son and I suddenly felt dizzy. It was as if we couldn’t think clearly or control ourselves,” she recalled during an interview on Thursday.

She said she was then asked to stay inside the vehicle with the woman, while the man allegedly took her son back to Room 239 at the hotel.

When she regained full awareness, Somwati said the cash she had kept in the room was gone.

She reported losing 60 million Vietnamese dong, Rp90 million, US$100 and 50,000 Indian rupees, with the total loss estimated at more than Rp140 million.

After discovering the theft, she immediately informed hotel staff. Somwati said she was disappointed by the response, claiming staff told her the incident was not the hotel’s responsibility.

The Bali Times has not independently verified the victim’s account with the hotel, and hotel management had not issued a public statement at the time of publication.

Somwati also claimed she saw what she believed to be the same vehicle briefly stop outside the hotel the following night, leaving her feeling intimidated.

She later filed a report with Denpasar Police under registration number DUMAS/631/VI/2026/SPKT.SATRESKRIM/POLRESTA DPS/POLDA BALI.

Police spokesperson Iptu I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya confirmed that officers had received the complaint and that detectives are investigating the case.

“The report has been received and the Criminal Investigation Unit is conducting further investigation,” he said.

Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and collecting evidence to identify those allegedly involved.

No arrests have been announced, and police said the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have also reminded both local residents and foreign visitors to remain cautious when approached by strangers and to avoid sharing personal information or entering unfamiliar situations while travelling.