Man, sons cheat jeweller of Rs 40 lakh, arrested

The police also seized two cars and Rs 28 lakh from the suspects, identified as Mohammed Shabeer Ali (64) of Mandaveli, his sons Ayaz Ali (32) and Vaseem Ali (31), and their car driver Yusuf Kamal (35) of Anna Nagar.

The incident happened on Saturday. The accused were known to the victim, D Praveen Kumar (54) of Shenoy Nagar who runs a jewellery shop in Aminjikarai, through common friends.

Mohammed Shabeer Ali allegedly told Praveen Kumar that he had gold bars for sale, which he was ready to sell at a cheaper rate. Believing him, Praveen Kumar went with the trio in a car to a guest house on Radhakrishnan Salai. There, Ali allegedly showed him a piece of gold as sample. After Praveen Kumar gave him Rs 40 lakh, he stepped out to bring the gold bars but never returned.

Praveen Kumar realised that he has been cheated and approached the Royapettah police. A special team was formed under Assistant Commissioner Bhaskar and inspector Charles. They checked the CCTV footage from the locality, which revealed that the gang went to Anna Nagar and returned to Foreshore Estate.

The suspects were secured from their hideout and remanded in judicial custody. A hunt has been launched for three more persons suspected to be involved in the crime.