The man, attached to Chennai City Police had deserted duty two months ago, had intercepted three merchants on their two wheeler two days back and asked them to account for Rs 34,800. But they did not have the required documents. He then 'seized' the money and fled.
The merchants spotted him yesterday in Vazhapadi, overpowered him and handed him over to the police. He was later produced before a local court and remanded to 15 days custody.