Two held for cheating jewellery shop owner in Visakhapatnam

The city police on Friday arrested two persons, including a woman, for allegedly cheating a jewellery shop owner and fleeing with gold ornaments weighing over 420 grams (about 36.45 tolas) from the busy Kurupam Market area under One Town police limits on May 12.

The accused have been identified as O. Mangamma (39) and D. Ramakrishna (40), both residents of Seethampeta.

Addressing a press conference at the police conference hall, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crimes) D. Latha Madhuri said Mangamma, a known customer of Kausalya Jewellery Store, visited the shop on May 12 and allegedly devised a plan to commit theft.

She reportedly told the shop owner that one of her relatives was waiting outside in a car, as he was physically disabled and unable to enter the shop. She further claimed that he intended to purchase gold ornaments for his daughter’s wedding.

Trusting her, the shop owner showed several gold items. After selecting a few ornaments, Mangamma allegedly requested permission to take them outside to show to the waiting relative. The shop owner, believing her, handed over two trays of gold ornaments.

However, soon after receiving the jewellery, she allegedly got into the car and fled the spot along with her associate.

Following a complaint, special police teams swung into action and traced the accused within 24 hours by analysing CCTV footage and collecting technical evidence. They were later arrested.

During the investigation, police found that Mangamma had allegedly planned the theft to make easy money and overcome financial difficulties. As she was familiar with the jewellery shop and its staff, she allegedly exploited their trust to execute the offence.

Police said she roped in her relative Ramakrishna, falsely presenting him as a physically disabled person waiting in the vehicle to gain the confidence of the shop owner, DCP Madhuri added.