SARGODHA, March 9: A local real estate dealer has been accused of minting money from villagers seeking residence in urban areas under the garb of a prize scheme.

As per details collected by this correspondent after receiving a number of complaints, the property dealer who has set up his office on the College Road here reportedly under the supervision of an army officer, offers residential plots through a ‘lucky draw.’

He has engaged salesgirls who market the washing powder of a national brand against Rs25 per pack along with a prize coupon which promises a free residential plot through a draw.

After a few days the office sends a letter to each coupon holder, congratulating him on winning the draw and asks him to approach the office with Rs3,000 to 3,500 ‘registration fee’.

An employee of the company said that over 100 people had so far deposited the registration fee. About the location of their scheme, he said it would be announced after more entries by lucky winners. “It may take a year,” he said

However, the complainants, who do not want to be identified, say they have neither been shown the site of the scheme nor any property has been transferred against their names. “We are only in possession of letters declaring us winners of residential plots which have no legal value,” they said.

Meanwhile, after the successful venture on the College Road, the estate dealer has set up another office at Trust Plaza. The district government has not yet taken note of the business.

POs: Sargodha police, during last two months, have arrested 136 proclaimed offenders and 99 fugitives of law.

District Police Officer Zafar Iqbal Qureshi told newsmen on Sunday that the police had seized and recovered stolen property worth Rs12.7 million during the period and said that he had enhanced the night patrolling and made it more effective.