In a major breakthrough under an ongoing crackdown on absconding criminals, Jhalawar Police have arrested Padam Singh Jhala, the long-missing chairman of Aastha Credit Co-operative Society, from Kota. Jhala had been on the run for five years, evading arrest in connection with nine cases of fraud and cheque dishonour, and carried a reward of Rs10,000.
Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar confirmed that Padam Singh, along with secretary Giriraj Gupta and treasurer Mahendra Pratap Singh, defrauded investors by promising high returns on deposits in a daily savings scheme. The complaints, including one filed by Mohammad Yakub of Reechhwa, detail how agents collected large sums from local investors.
The society suddenly shut down its office, and all three officials vanished. The court had declared them fugitives. While Gupta and Pratap Singh later obtained bail, Padam Singh remained missing.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team led by SHO Jhalrapatan Harlal Meena located and arrested the 49-year-old from his rented home in Rangbadi, Kota. To avoid arrest, Singh had been frequently changing locations and identities. He is a native of Dubliya Sunel, son of Roopsingh.
Authorities are continuing the investigation and urge citizens to be cautious of fraudulent cooperative schemes.
