Second employee dies in Vizhinjam gold pawn fraud case; main accused arrested
A 32-year-old woman, identified as Aishwarya of Venganoor, died at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital on Monday after allegedly attempting suicide amid a gold pawn fraud case. Her death follows that of her colleague Anju, who died two days earlier under similar circumstances.
Both women were employed at a private financial institution in Nellivila, Venganoor, which was allegedly part of a gold pawn fraud scheme. According to police, the two employees misappropriated 70 sovereigns of gold pawned by regular customers and handed them over to the prime accused, Sindhu Kumari of Panangode. Anju reportedly gave 20 sovereigns, while Aishwarya contributed 50 sovereigns. Sindhu had promised to pledge the jewellery at other institutions at lower interest rates to generate profits.
Initially, the accused returned the ornaments on time. However, when customers sought to reclaim their pawned gold, Sindhu allegedly sold the valuables and refused to return them, claiming there was no written proof of receiving the gold. Feeling trapped and facing public humiliation, Aishwarya and Anju attempted suicide on June 30.
Sindhu, who reportedly tried to flee the country, was arrested by Vizhinjam police late Saturday. Police suspect she is a habitual offender with a history of involvement in multiple financial fraud cases. Since her arrest, nearly 10 fresh complaints have been filed against her.
If you or someone you know is in distress, please reach out for help. Suicide prevention helpline: DISHA: 1056, 0471-2552056.
