Thiruvananthapuram: Kazhakkoottam police arrested a 41-year-old woman for allegedly cheating a man of Rs 13.5 lakh by posing as a customs officer posted at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and promising to sell him seized gold at a discounted price.The accused, Deepakumari, a resident of Souparnika Flat in Thonnakkal, was arrested following a complaint filed by a native of Vadakkumbhagam in Kazhakkoottam. According to police, the woman told the victim that she had access to gold seized at the airport and the gold would be auctioned at a much lower price. She offered to arrange the purchase through her contacts. The victim transferred Rs 13.5 lakh to the accused in three instalments in Sept 2025. However, after receiving the money, the woman allegedly stopped responding to the victim’s calls and messages. Suspecting foul play, he later approached police and filed a complaint. Police later traced the accused to Konni in Pathanamthitta, and took her into custody. Police said preliminary investigation suggests that the accused may have been involved in similar financial frauds earlier also. Efforts are on to identify other victims and possible accomplices. Further investigation is under way.
