Man arrested for cheating Class IX student of gold ornaments in Palakkad

Palakkad: A 25-year-old man was arrested for allegedly cheating a Class IX student of 9.5 sovereigns of gold after befriending her, police said on Sunday. The accused, S V Vighnesh, a native of Chelakkara, had reportedly come to the minor's school for painting work. During this period, he developed a friendship with the minor after telling her of his supposed financial difficulties. According to police, he collected gold ornaments from the student on multiple occasions, promising to return them later. However, he went absconding when the girl demanded the ornaments back. Based on a complaint registered at the Kozhinjampara police station, an investigation was launched. A police team led by sub inspector K P George later apprehended the accused from Chandranagar in Palakkad. Police said the accused had been staying in rented accommodations at different places. He is also an accused in two chain-snatching cases under the limits of the Palakkad South police station. In addition, he faces eight other cases, including ganja trafficking and assault, registered across various police stations. The accused has been remanded in judicial custody, police added.