Kanniyakumari District Crime Branch (DCB) police arrested a 57-year old man, Paulraj, in connection with a ₹9-crore chit fund scam involving more than 90 people.According to the police, the complainant, Satheesh Kumar, 47, of Thirparappu had joined a ₹10-lakh auction chit run by Paulraj, owner of Divine Chit Funds in Kadayalumoodu on April 11, 2022, and subsequently paid a total of ₹8.83 lakh in several instalments. After the chit period ended, he sought the return of the amount he paid. However, Paulraj allegedly delayed the payment and later absconded with his family, the complaint stated.The complaint was registered by the DCB police on December 10, 2025.During investigation, the police found that Paulraj had allegedly conducted similar chit schemes and cheated more than 90 people in the area by failing to return their money. The total amount involved was estimated around ₹9 crore.The police arrested Paulraj in Chennai on Sunday. He was produced before a court, which remanded him in judicial custody.The DCB police have said anyone who had lost money in this chit fund scam could lodge a complaint. Published - August 10, 2026 10:36 pm IST