Jaipur: A promise that a rare tortoise could make its owner rich overnight landed three men in police custody in Shahpura after they allegedly cheated people by using the animal to lure prospective buyers.Police Friday arrested Karan Bawaria (26), Dinesh Kumar Meena (30), and Mahavir Singh Meena (27), and seized Rs 99,000 in suspected proceeds and a Creta car from them.Jaipur Rural SP Hanuman Prasad said police received information that three men were travelling in a Creta with a large amount of cash after allegedly cheating people by offering to sell tortoises. A team led by Shahpura SHO Riya Chaudhary intercepted the car near Alwar Tiraha on Aug 20.Police said the three could not satisfactorily explain their presence at the spot. Karan also allegedly failed to produce the vehicle’s registration certificate and driving licence. During a search, police recovered Rs 99,000 in Rs 500 notes from a black bag kept in the boot.During questioning, the accused allegedly told police that they used video calls to show prospective victims a tortoise and a bag full of cash to make the deal appear lucrative. They allegedly claimed the tortoise could be purchased cheaply and resold at a huge profit, before taking victims’ money and disappearing.Police said the accused also admitted to similar incidents in Kanota and Lalsot. Investigators are checking their possible involvement in other such cases.The cash was seized under Section 106 of the BNSS and the car under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The three were arrested under Section 170 of the BNSS.
