CHENNAI: A 31-year-old man allegedly conned a 29-year-old woman of nearly 70 sovereigns of gold jewellery in Kodungaiyur, claiming that her house was afflicted by ‘evil forces’ and costly rituals were required.
Police have recovered around 63 sovereigns of gold from the accused, Sri Deepadharshan of Arumbakkam. His associate, Jayasri, is still at large.
The victim’s father, a 67-year-old contractor, realised the theft on Thursday after he found the locker at the house empty. Though there were no signs of forced entry, he lodged a complaint.
Investigation revealed that Deepadharshan had befriended the victim through Jayasri and gradually gained her trust. He allegedly convinced her to hand over the gold in instalments without her family’s knowledge.