JOIN USTwo French nationals were arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday for allegedly duping an Iranian woman by taking away her belongings while staying at her Greater Kailash house on rent.
Maximilien Sottile and Khalid Abdaim have been charged with criminal breach of trust and mischief causing damage under Sections 406 and 427 of the Indian Penal Code.
According to Ajay Chaudhry, additional commissioner of police (south-east), the action was taken over a complaint on August 28 by Shima Zarefad, who has been staying in India since September 2009 and learning bharatnatyam from the International Centre For Kathakali in Katwaria Sarai.
“She lives in rented accommodation in Greater Kailash E-Block, but went to Iran for a holiday from June 1 to August 26. During this time, she had arranged for Maximilien and Khalid to stay in her flat,” Chaudhry said.
Maximilien and Khalid had come for internship in companies in India as they were pursuing software engineering in France. Shima said there was an understanding between them that during the period, Maximilien and Khalid can stay in her hired accommodation by paying the rent and electricity bills.
“They moved in on May 15. From May 15 to June 1, Maximilien and Khalid shared the accommodation with Shima and paid Rs 13,000 as half the share. After that they paid Rs 26,000 for June, but didn’t pay rent for July and August. They also didn’t pay electricity bills,” Chaudhry added.
Maximilien and Khalid were supposed to stay there till September 1, but left before Shima returned on August 26. Shima alleged that the house was ransacked and that the duo stole her video camera, bharatnatayam costume, speakers and paintings, among other items. They also damaged the fridge door, floor tiles, pots and plants on the terrace and cupboard locks.
A case was registered with Greater Kailash police station. During investigation, a wireless message with details of the accused was sent to Foreigner Regional Registration Offices and a look-out circular was sent at IGI Airport to detain them if they tried to leave the country.
On Saturday, the two men were apprehended when they approached immigration authorities for clearance. They were subsequently taken into police custody and interrogated. They have confessed to taking Shima’s belongings and damaging her household appliances.