PRAYAGRAJ, Jan. 25 -- The son of the former chairman of Manjhanpur Nagar Palika Parishad in Kaushambi has reported being defrauded of nearly Rs.17 lakh. Police said the accused allegedly cheated the victim under the pretext of construction work at his under-construction hotel and reportedly stole building materials before fleeing. According to the complaint, the victim, Shabeeh Haider (also known as Meenu), had taken a loan from SBI to build a hotel near the local crossing. He had awarded construction contracts to Nawab Saifi of Bundra Kala village, Bijnor district. Haider alleged that Saifi received Rs.37.82 lakh through cash and online transfers, but work worth only Rs.20.71 lakh was completed. During this period, the contractor allegedly stole 200 PVC panels, 200 WPC panels, and 50 gypsum boards. When confronted, Saifi reportedly promised to return the balance and stolen materials but fled the same day. The victim lodged a complaint with superintendent of police Rajesh Kumar on Friday. Acting on his orders, Manjhanpur Kotwali police registered a case. DSP Shivank Singh said an investigation is underway. htc...