Kochi: The managing partner of an international jewellery chain was arrested on Thursday for allegedly cheating a small-time jewellery storeowner in Perumbavoor and absconding with gold worth Rs 12 crore. The arrested was identified as U. Abdullah (51), a native of Thrithala in Palakkad and the owner of the Avatar Gold and Diamonds. According to cops, the accused entered into a deal with the jewellery store owner four months back and as per it, the victim was to hand over his gold ornaments towards the new outlet of ‘Avatar Jewellery’ to be started in Perumbavoor.
“As per the deal, the victim handed over 33 kg of gold worth Rs 12 crore on the promise that he would add more gold ornaments and start the chain with 75 kg gold in total. However, the accused went underground with the gold and escaped to a foreign country,” Perumbavoor Circle Inspector Baiju Paulose said. The accused was hiding at various locations abroad and also in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka during the period. “Finally we got information that he was scheduled to arrive at Kozhikode. A trap was laid and managed to nab him,” the officer said.
The accused was produced before a local court which remanded him in 14-days judicial custody. “Probe is on to recover the gold. We are also on the look out of more persons in connection with the case, including his son,” the officer said. Abdullah was also facing cheating charges in Kalamassery and Thrissur police stations.
