Coimbatore : Five persons, including two women, have been arrested on charges of cheating nearly 40 persons of more than Rs 20 lakh promising flats in housing units being constructed by Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board at Vellalore in the city.

Based on a complaint by one Shanmugham, a fishermen by profession, that Jayakumar and his wife Suguna had sought Rs.30,000 as advance to allot a flat, costing Rs.60,000 in July 2014, claiming they have close contacts with government officials and politicians, police registered a case.

The couple had introduced one Thirumalai, said to be an official in the district collectorate and another couple Kunjimon and Gayathri, Shanugha said.

Taking them into confidence, Shanmugham had paid Rs.73,000 for two flats, which were never came its way, police said.

Based on complaint, police arrested Jayakumar, Suguna and Gayatri yesterday and on their information Kunjumon and Shaji were this morning, they said.

All were remanded to custody and lodged in the central jail here.