Property dealer arrested for duping 11 people

New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) Police have arrested a property dealer for allegedly cheating nearly a dozen people on the promise of giving "approved" plots in a colony which was yet to be developed.

Rajiv Chauhan, who runs Chaudhury Properties, was arrested on a complaint filed by Mr Vipin Budhwar on behalf of Ganga Vihar Plot Holders Association which claimed that they were cheated by Chauhan.

Mr Budhwar alleged that in August 1987, Chaudhary Properties gave an advertisement in leading newspapers that they were offering approved plots in a colony called 'Pink City' in Loni.

He was induced by this advertisement and booked a plot measuring 200 sq. yards for which Chauhan gave a provisional receipt of the application. Chauhan allegedly told him that a specific agreement for the said plot would be given after a few days but till this date he did not give the same.

Chouhan, meanwhile, changed his project's name from 'Pink City' to 'Ganga Vihar' and shifted his office from Ashok Vihar to Karol Bagh.

Mr Budhwar claimed that he continued to pay installments and the other requisite charges for the allotment of the plot and in this way paid Rs 71,961.

Chauhan continued to operate from his office at East Park Road till 1996 but suddenly closed his office and without disclosing his whereabouts and disappeared, the complainant alleged.

The Association members contacted him several times with the request to fulfil his promise but in vain.

Finding no other option, they approached the police.

During investigations it came out that Chaudhary Properties was incorporated and the project was launched for the allotment of plots and the total member of plots for this project was 280.

It also came to light that the registry of plots was given to some of the applicants but physical possession was not given to anyone.

Investigations were in progress, the police added.

UNI AN GT KN2118