(Image source from: The New York Times)

An Indian origin hotel owner who earlier partnered with President Donald Trump’s family on four hotels has been arrested for stealing luggage at Memphis International Airport, Tennessee, last weekend.

According to police, Dinesh Chawla, the Chief Executive Officer of Chawla Hotels, was seen taking luggage from the baggage claim in the airport, put it in his car and went back inside the airport to catch a flight.

The airport authorities upon searching the car found the suitcase and another piece of luggage that had been taken from the airport last month, The New York Times reported.

Chawla, who was arrested when he returned to Memphis, admitted to stealing the two bags and their $4,000 valued contents, according to a police affidavit.

He also admitted to stealing luggage "over a long period of time" for the thrill and excitement though he knew it was wrong, the report said but it provided no details of other thefts.

Chawla brothers operate a chain of hotels and motels in the Delta and are currently constructing a luxury hotel in Cleveland, an undertaking that until February was a joint venture with the Trump Organization.

                       (Image source from: CBS News)

The contacts between the Trump family and the Chawlas dates back to 1988 when Chawla brothers’ father V K Chawla reached out to Donald Trump Sr for help starting a motel in Greenwood. Trump called the Suresh Chawla, the brother of Dinesh Chawla, and suggested that he apply for a minority Small Business Administration loan, which he did successfully.

By Sowmya Sangam