The Ukkadam police on Sunday arrested a 63-year-old man on the charge of duping a businessman and taking away Rs. 40 lakh from him here recently. The police identified the accused as S. Kesu alias Athikesav (63) of Tiruchi. They also recovered Rs. 28 lakh from him.
It may be noted that Ooty-based businessman S. Jayachand left the money in a bag in the rear seat of his car and went inside a temple on Range Gowder Street.
His driver Vivek was in the car when two unidentified persons told him that a few currency notes lay scattered near the vehicle and asked if it was his.
As Vivek stepped out of the vehicle, the two fled with the cash bag.
The Variety Hall police registered a case under Section 379 (theft) of the Indian Penal Code. Two special teams were formed. Ukkadam Inspector S. Paulraj, who led one of the teams, said that they arrested Kesu based on a tip off that he was staying in a lodge in the city.
“While checking, we found out that he had Rs. 28 lakh in his possession. He confessed to his role in the crime. During the preliminary inquiry, Kesu claimed that four more persons were involved in the theft. On his confession, we learnt that they took the remaining Rs. 12 lakh and went to Kerala. Special teams are on the look out for them,” he added.