Chennai: A woman inspector of police, Sheela Mary, who had been suspended from service following complaints of her involvement in an investment fraud involving more than ₹8 crore, has been arrested by the economic offences wing. Her two associates were arrested about two weeks ago.The case was registered against one Prabu alias Prabu Mani, who runs a private firm in Kodungaiyur, and four others. The firm collected deposits from members of the public, police personnel and their family members by offering investment schemes that promised high returns and the supply of gold coins and residential plots at low prices.A total of 56 depositors had invested ₹8.17 crore in the scheme. As Prabu Mani failed to return either the principal amounts or the promised returns, he was arrested on June 9.On Tuesday, the EOW arrested Sheela Mary, who was suspended while serving at the Royapuram all-women police station, along with Senthilkumar alias Senthil and Kalpana, who were absconding since the case was registered.According to investigators, Prabu Mani marketed the investment scheme through his associates, including Sheela Mary, and sold gold coins procured from a jewellery dealer. The scheme later expanded through referrals, with investors introducing new participants after receiving commissions.After Sheela Mary was placed under suspension, she moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. As her plea has been dismissed, she was arrested and remanded in judicial custody.The EOW appealed to investors who had not yet lodged complaints against Vinayaga Enterprises to approach Inspector Naseema of the Economic Offences Wing. Complaints can also be submitted through the EOW’s toll-free helpline: 1800 599 0050, mobile number: 95000 77343 or landline: 044-22504332 or by visiting its office at the Police Training College campus in Ashok Nagar, Chennai.
