Bhubaneswar: On charges of cheating more than 300 luxury hotels across India over the past three decades, a 69-year-old man has been arrested in Bhubaneswar.

The accused, identified as Bingson John, a native of Tamil Nadu, was apprehended following a complaint lodged by a Hyatt hotel in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. According to reports, John stayed at the hotel for two days before leaving without settling the bill. He also allegedly stole a laptop worth ₹1.48 lakh, stated NDTV report.

Based on mobile phone records, documents, and other technical evidence, police traced his location to Bhubaneswar and carried out the arrest.

During interrogation, John reportedly confessed to having duped over 300 luxury hotels across the country since 1990. He was also previously arrested and had served time in Tihar Jail.

Police sources revealed John admitted to being influenced by the tactics of notorious serial killer and conman Charles Sobhraj. Using fake identities and deceptive methods, he would check into high-end hotels, evade payments, and in some cases, steal valuables before fleeing.

Raipur Police are currently verifying his claims of involvement in hundreds of such cases.