Wedding food fraud: Caterer in police custody in Kottayam

Kottayam: The proprietor of a local catering firm has been taken into police custody following allegations that he defrauded multiple clients by taking advance payments for wedding catering services and failing to deliver the food.

Vishnu Mohan, who operates 'Udayam Catering and Events' out of Kanjirappally, was detained by Kottayam East Police after being summoned for questioning. Authorities confirmed that his formal arrest would be recorded prior to producing him before a magistrate court on Friday.

Police have registered three separate criminal cases against Vishnu Mohan across two districts. The charges stem from complaints lodged at Kottayam East and Mundakayam police stations in Kottayam district, as well as Kunnathunad police station in Ernakulam district.

According to police sources, Vishnu Mohan accepted payments promising to cater for wedding receptions scheduled on September 13 in Mundakayam, Kanjikuzhy, and Perumbavoor. However, he allegedly defaulted on delivery at the stipulated times, leaving families stranded.

Investigators have booked Vishnu Mohan under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 316 (criminal breach of trust) and 318 (cheating).