In a significant development, Palghar police have apprehended a 30-year-old man who had been evading arrest since March. The accused is accused of defrauding several individuals to the tune of Rs 1.15 crore by promising them homes in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, an official confirmed on Thursday.

The arrest took place at Wagralpada in the Vasai area on Tuesday following intensive efforts by the police, who pursued multiple leads to track down the suspect.

According to the police, the accused had allegedly lured unsuspecting home buyers with promises of providing them houses. After receiving substantial sums from multiple victims, amounting to Rs 1.15 crore collectively, he reportedly absconded, leaving the victims in a state of distress.

“We had been actively pursuing leads and conducting investigations to locate the accused. Our efforts finally paid off with his apprehension in Vasai,” stated a police official familiar with the case.

The accused, whose identity has been withheld pending further legal proceedings, will face charges related to fraud and deception under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The Palghar police have urged individuals who believe they may have been similarly victimized by the accused to come forward and provide necessary information to assist in the investigation.

As the case unfolds, authorities are expected to delve deeper into the extent of the alleged fraud and ensure justice for the victims affected by the deceptive housing promises.