Money Recovery

My father paid monthly amount in an unregistered chit fund,chit value is 400000, paid till the end of the chit.
Now the owner of chit fund used the money for his personal work, now he is not returning the money, it's been 1 year but he didn't return a single rupee, but saying that he will return money and postponing everytime.
I had proofs of this chit as bank ministatements monthly wise which we paid,call recordings of the owner of chit fund.how should I go legally not getting any idea, I want my money back from him .chit owner is having properties on the names of him and his wife.
Please advise and kindly help in
resolving this.
I approached recently an advocate he told that need a promisery note.

kindly share your advices.

Thank you.