Police have launched a hunt to nab N Subramanian, a resident of Thanjawur district of Tamilnadu.
Subramanian had opened a shop by the name of Messrs 'Roja Home Needs' in Bhat complex at Sopore, 55 kms from here, and promised customers heavy discount on home appliances like LCDs, Television sets and refrigerators, a police spokesman said.
He promised to deliver branded home appliances to customers at 50 per cent of the cost and had booked orders for a large number of people after taking advance money.
"This morning, the shop was closed and the owner was found absconding," the spokesman said adding duped people tried to set ablaze the building but timely action of police foiled their attempt.
A case has been registered and investigations set into motion to bring the culprit to book.
Police had got suspicious of the shopkeeper immediately after he announced the heavy discount scheme and directed him to close the shop till his credentials are verified, the spokesman said.
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The tenant verification form of the suspect was accordingly posted to SP Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
However, Subramanian opened the shop after the High Court directed police not to interfere in his business.
"Affected customers are requested to provide details of money deposited with the accused to the police station Sopore," the spokesman said.