Woman held for cheating travel agent of 17 lakh

Chennai: Police arrested a 44-year-old woman on charges of cheating a travel agent of more than 17 lakh. The woman, Sindhoos Banu of Villivakkam, was arrested based on a complaint from S Shahul Hameed, 47, of Tondiarpet. Police said Shahul Hameed had acquainted himself with Banu's husband, Nainar Mohammed, during a trip to Mecca. He had told Shahul Hameed that he could arrange group tour packages for the Haj pilgrimage. So, Shahul Hameed collected money from 94 individuals and deposited it in Banu's bank account in April. The first batch then left for the pilgrimage.Before they returned, Shahul Hameed collected 17 lakh from another 36 individuals and gave it to the couple. But once the the first batch of pilgrims returned, they complained to Shahul Hameed of substandard services and alerted the 36 who were to travel next. As the second batch sought a refund, Shahul Hameed demanded that the 17 lakh he deposited be returned, but the couple refused. A police complaint was filed and Banu was arrested. Police said Nainar Mohammed moved to Saudi Arabia for work. tnn
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