Four persons, including two AIADMK functionaries, were arrested here today for reportedly trying to con a trader from Rajasthan to hand over Rs 5 lakh for selling banned tobacco products in the city.
Police said the four approached the man last night and demanded the amount, claiming that one of the AIADMK workers among them was 'District Chairman of People Forum of India' and 'National Bharath Sevak Samaj'. The party worker also told him he was empowered to seize the contraband.
The man said he would pay them Rs 50,000, which they refused to accept. The four then told him they would come again this morning for the money.
Meanwhile, the man filed a complaint with police, who nabbed them while travelling in a car with an emblazoned plate claiming he was "District Chairman, People Forum of India and National Bharath Sevak Samaj".
A Government of India sticker was found pasted on the front and rear of the car and the vehicle was seized, police said.