Chennai police have launched a manhunt for an individual accused of orchestrating a significant housing fraud, cheating over a dozen people of lakhs of rupees. The suspect allegedly posed as a government employee and made false promises of securing apartments in a Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB) project.
The Modus Operandi of the Scam
The accused has been identified as Vinoth Babu, a resident of Kodungaiyur in Chennai. According to the police complaint, Babu presented himself as the driver of an officer working with the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, formerly known as the Slum Clearance Board. He specifically targeted individuals seeking affordable housing options.
One of the primary victims is L Baby, a 38-year-old resident of VOC Nagar in Tondiarpet. Babu approached her with an offer that seemed too good to refuse. He promised to help her purchase a flat in a TNUHDB housing complex located on Kailasam Street in Tondiarpet. L Baby, believing his claims and his purported connections, agreed to the deal.
Collective Loss and Disappearing Act
Word of this "opportunity" spread, and soon, a total of 11 people collectively paid Vinoth Babu a sum of ₹33.10 lakh with the hope of securing homes in the promised project. The transactions were made based on his assurances of facilitating the allotment process through his insider contacts.
However, after collecting the substantial amount, Babu failed to deliver on any of his promises. The promised houses never materialized. When the victims attempted to contact him for updates or to seek a refund of their hard-earned money, he began ignoring their calls and requests completely. His subsequent disappearance prompted the aggrieved group to approach the authorities.
Police Investigation Underway
Following the complaint, the Chennai police have officially registered a case and initiated a thorough investigation. They are now actively searching for Vinoth Babu, who is currently absconding. The case highlights the risks associated with dealing with unauthorized agents making tall claims about government housing schemes.
Authorities have reiterated that all allotments for TNUHDB projects follow a transparent, official procedure, and they caution the public against dealing with middlemen who demand large upfront payments. The police are exploring all leads to apprehend the accused and deliver justice to the eleven victims who lost a combined ₹33.10 lakh in this elaborate scam.
