In a major success, Fazilka Police in a joint operation with Faridkot Police arrested a man who had been absconding for the last 8 to 9 years. The man named Neeraj Thathai aka Neeraj Arora was arrested from Pauri, Uttrakhand. Neeraj Thathai was declared a proclaimed offender as he was named in 108 FIRs in 21 districts for defrauding people by promising money or plots. To be precise, Neeraj was arrested in Nature Heights Infra Scam. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav took to his X handle and congratulated both Fazilka and Faridkot Police for the massive catch. DGP Gaurav Yadav wrote-
"In a breakthrough, @FazilkaPolice in a joint operation with @FaridkotPolice has busted the multi-crore Nature Heights Infra Scam and arrested Neeraj Thathai @ Neeraj Arora, who was absconding for the last 8-9 years and declared Proclaimed Offender from Pauri,#Uttrakhand.
The accused is named in 108 FIRs in 21 districts for defrauding people by promising money or plots. Recovery of one luxury BMW car, mobile phones and fake documents effected. Further investigations are ongoing, @PunjabPoliceInd is 100% committed to maintaining security and stern action will be taken against all involved in organised crime."
About Nature Heights Infra Scam
Nature Heights Infra Scam is a multi-core real-estate scam spread across Punjab. The Enforcement Directorate has also investigated Punjab's Nature Heights Infra Scam. As per a report published in 2021, ED Jalandhar's zonal office arrested Rajiv Rattan Dhingra from Abohar. In the report, it was stated that ED is searching for the main accused Neeraj Thatai alias Neeraj Arora, and also his wife Dolly.
In June 2020, the ED has attached properties worth Rs 24 crore belonging to a real estate firm for allegedly duping hundreds of investors of crores of rupees in various parts of Punjab. The firm, Nature Heights Infra Ltd, was being run by Abohar-based Thatai couple and another director of company Amit Kukkar. Neeraj and Kukkar figure as accused in 31 FIRs filed by the investors in various police stations of the state and were declared proclaimed offenders in 2017.
During the ED investigation, it was revealed that the firm’s promoters had duped investors to the tune of Rs 50 crore on the pretext of allotting properties at different locations in Punjab.