Coimbatore: Alleged fraudster Praveen Rana was hiding in a shed close to a mining site in Devarayapuram here. The locals were completely unaware that Praveen was hiding there but still the police arrested him.
The isolated mining site is leased to Perumbavoor natives. Rana and his friend Navas arrived at the location on Monday morning along with three others. They told the workers of the mine that they were there in search of their stolen vehicle. Rana and Navas stayed at the location while the others returned to Kerala.
Rana was introduced as Vibin and dressed like a Sabarimala pilgrim. They stayed with the workers who fed them.
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Kerala police collected the details of Rana from a phone call made to his wife from the device of a mine worker. They quickly nabbed one of the gang members who helped Rana arrive at the location and left for Devarayapuram. Police spent only half an hour in the locality before leaving with Rana and Navas.
The accused in the Rs 100-cr cheating case had to sell his wedding ring to meet expenses. Police gave him a new set of clothes after taking him to Thrissur.
Meanwhile, Rana told media persons that he had not cheated anyone. He said he would return the money to those who suffered losses from investing in his business.
As many as 31 cases were registered against him with the police. All of them except one were lodged within the Thrissur city police limit. Charges could invite imprisonment up to 10 years. He is currently in police custody.