Sandalwood producer held for cheque bounce

BANGALORE: The JP Nagar police have arrested Kannada film producer and distributor, Bala Muthiah (49) in connection with a cheque bounce case filed by BBMP corporator Dhanaraj.Bala Muthaiah, a native of Shivakashi in Tamil Nadu, was arrested in Hyedarabad on Tuesday night and was brought to the city. However, he was released on bail.According to the police, Muthaiah had allegedly borrowed `55 lakh cash in 2005 from Dhanaraj, the BBMP corporator of Dharmaraya Swamy Temple ward.He had allegedly assured Dhanaraj of returning the money on completion of shooting the movie, which was stalled for a long duration.When he could not return the money to Dhanaraj, Muthaiah fled from the city, the police said.Dhanaraj produced a post dated cheque that was issued by Muthaiah at the time of borrowing the money, which bounced. Dhanaraj filed a complaint with a local court against Muthaiah, following which the court had issued an arrest warrant against the latter. Following this, the police gathered information that Mutaiah was staying at an apartment in Hyderabad and arrested him, the police explained.Reportedly, during his stay in Bangalore, Muthaiah led a lavish lifestyle and frequently went on holidays to Thailand, Bangkok.