Parappanangadi: A school reunion held after 31 years turned into a nightmare for a retired teacher from Parappanangadi, who was allegedly defrauded of ₹27.5 lakh and 21 sovereigns of gold by one of her former students. The accused and his wife, who had been living a life of luxury in hiding, have now been arrested from Hassan, Karnataka.
The Parappanangadi police, led by Inspector Vinod Valiyattoor, apprehended Neeliath Verkal Firoz (51) of Thalakkadathur, Cheriyamundam, and his wife, Ramlath (45). Firoz was a student of the victim during the 1988-90 academic period.
According to police, the elaborate scam began after Firoz reconnected with his former teacher at an alumni meet. He skillfully renewed their acquaintance and gradually earned her affection and trust. Soon after, Firoz and his wife visited the teacher’s home with a business proposal involving gold trading and requested an initial investment.
To build her confidence, the teacher first gave him ₹1 lakh. For a few months, Firoz paid her ₹4,000 monthly, claiming it was her share of the profits. After gaining her trust, he persuaded her to invest another ₹3 lakh, for which he paid ₹12,000 per month.
This pattern continued, and over several transactions, the teacher handed over a total of ₹27.5 lakh. Once the full amount was secured, the monthly “profit” payments abruptly stopped. When the teacher inquired, Firoz claimed the business required a larger infusion of capital. Trusting him, she then handed over 21 sovereigns of her gold ornaments.
Police reported that Firoz immediately pawned the jewellery at a bank in Tirur and later sold it off. He then switched off his mobile phone and absconded with his wife to Hassan, Karnataka, where they were reportedly living a lavish lifestyle on the stolen money.
