Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 9: A middle-aged man posing as a jewellery polisher allegedly duped an elderly widow of gold ornaments in Ambalamogaru, Ullal taluk, on October 8.

The victim has been identified as Sundari (60), a resident of Ambalamogaru. According to reports, Sundari works as a domestic help at the house of Sudarshan Shetty and usually returns home around noon. On Wednesday, she finished work early and was returning home at around 11.30 am when she encountered an unknown man near the Kambla paddy field, a deserted area in Ambalamogaru.

Ullal police station (file photo)

The man, appearing to be in his mid-40s, struck up a conversation asking how many houses were in the vicinity. He then took out a gold-like bangle from his bag and claimed that he polished jewellery to make it shine. Persuading Sundari, he offered to polish her gold chain.

Initially hesitant, Sundari eventually handed over her 18-gram gold chain to him. The man pretended to dip it in some liquid for polishing, returned it to her, and quickly left the spot.

However, when Sundari examined the chain later, she found it had become smaller in size. On checking its weight, she realised that about 14 grams of gold had melted away, confirming she had been cheated.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.