Absconding property dealer who fled with Rs 37 L, attrested

A property dealer, who allegedly fled with a cash of Rs 37 lakh of one of his clients from south Delhi's Vasant Kunj area, was arrested today from Uttar Pradesh, police said.
"The man, identified as Bhanu Pratap was absconding with the bag containing Rs 37 lakh of one of his clients Kusum, was arrested and Rs 30 lakh recovered from him," DCP (South)Ishwar Singh said.
Kusum approached police on October 11 alleging that she had got in touch with Pratap in connection with purchasing a property in Vasant Kunj, said the officer.
After the deal was finalised, she had sent her servant Deshraj along with Pratap, to deliver the money to the owner of the property, he said.

When Deshraj and Pratap reached Vasant Kunj, Pratap told the servant to bring a cold drink for him, said the officer.
Deshraj returned only to find that Pratap had left the place with the bag containing Rs 37 lakh.

Pratap's mobile phone was found switched off and he could not be traced at his office address or his residence.
During investigation, raids were conducted at Pratap's office in Saket, residence in Uttam Nagar and other possible hideouts but he could not be traced, Singh said.
Police got to know about his location after Pratap switched on his mobile and a team was sent to Gorakhpur to arrest him, said the officer.

Pratap was arrested today and brought to Delhi, he added.
"Efforts are on to find out whether there were other people involved. He will be questioned to know what had he dine with the remaining Rs 7 lakh and what was his motive behind stealing the money," said a senior police officer.