Kalady police in Kochi have arrested a 35-year-old man for allegedly defrauding a female friend by taking gold and money from her and failing to return them. The accused has been identified as Shalu, a resident of Kothamangalam.
Details of the Fraud
According to police, Shalu took 60 sovereigns of gold ornaments and approximately Rs 1.2 crore from the woman under false pretenses. He reportedly gave her various reasons, including that his house was under mortgage, his father was unwell and required surgery, and that he wanted to start a plywood business. He promised to return the money but never did.
The gold ornaments were pawned and later sold at establishments in Kothamangalam and Perumbavoor. When questioned, Shalu allegedly told the police that the money was invested in betting apps.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation team included Kalady Station House Officer (SHO) Arthi, Inspector Jayapradeep, Sub Inspectors Najeeb and Ajmal, Assistant Sub Inspector Jinson, and Civil Police Officer Dhanesh. Shalu was arrested and is currently in custody.
Another Arrest Under Kaapa
In a separate incident, a man known for burgling houses to steal gold ornaments has been detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (Kaapa) and jailed. The accused is identified as Biju, also known as Acid Biju, a 51-year-old from Nellimattam, Kuttamangalam.
Biju has been involved in multiple cases across several police station jurisdictions, including Perumbavoor, Kuruppampadi, Ponnani, Shoranur, Kothamangalam, Kunnathunad, Palakkad Chalissery, and Perinthalmanna. His modus operandi involved night-time housebreaking to steal gold ornaments belonging to women and children.
In March 2022, he was sentenced to three years in prison by the Perinthalmanna Judicial First Class Magistrate Court for a similar crime. After completing his sentence, he broke into a house in Vattayattupadi, Perumbavoor, in February and stole a one-and-a-half sovereign gold chain from an elderly woman while she was asleep. This led to his arrest by Perumbavoor police.
For more information, readers can check gold rates, silver rates, and holiday schedules in Kochi.
