The Central Crime Branch officers of the Chennai police have arrested a couple on charges of allegedly cheating a builder to the tune of Rs.1.40 crore.
According to police, the builder Kailash Kumar was approached by Yuvaraj and his wife Uma Maheshwari in 2010. The couple told him that out of a 3,050 square-feet plot in Sowrashtra Nagar in Choolaimedu, 900 feet was owned by Uma Maheshwari and that they had power of attorney for the remaining land. They wanted him to construct a building at the spot.
They further stated that the original documents were pledged with a bank and would be released only if they produced Rs. one crore. Kailash Kumar gave them the money and further spent Rs. 40 lakh to commence the construction work.
In due course, Kailash Kumar came to know that the power of attorney in the name of the couple had already been cancelled by the original owners. “He also came to know that they had not taken any steps to release the original documents, but had utilised the money for their personal use,” said a police officer.
When Kailash questioned Uma Maheshwari, she apologised and sought some time to get the power of attorney. “When she finally got the power of attorney, she executed a sale deed in favour of her mother Vasanthi and cheated Kailash,” said the officer.
On Friday, the couple were arrested and remanded.