Parappanangadi: A 51-year-old man was arrested for duping his former teacher of gold ornaments and cash by renewing acquaintance with her during an alumni meet. Police have also served an arrest warrant for the accused’s wife.

The accused have been identified as Neeliyath Verken Firoz (51) of Thalakadathur in Cheriyamundam and his wife, Ramlath (Malu, 43). They are accused of deceiving a retired teacher from Thalakadathur School in Tanur sub-district, who hails from Neduva.

Firoz renewed his acquaintance with his teacher during an alumni meet and subsequently began visiting her frequently under the pretext of maintaining the friendship. Over time, he borrowed ₹2 lakh from her, claiming he had suffered a stroke and had no means to earn a living. The amount was handed over to him in the presence of his wife.

Later, to create an impression of honesty, the accused paid interest twice and requested the teacher’s gold under the guise of expanding his business. Trusting him, the teacher handed over 21 sovereigns of gold ornaments, which she had kept in a bank. Soon after, Firoz switched off his phone. Suspicious, the victim lodged a complaint with the police.

A police team traced the accused to Hassan, Karnataka, where he was engaged in agriculture. Following four days of surveillance, he was arrested.

The teacher said she had kept the gold and money for her daughter’s marriage, which was later disrupted due to the loss. She alleged that Firoz avoided her calls after receiving the gold and when he eventually responded, he challenged her to file a case. The complaint also stated that the accused threatened to kill her by sending goons.

The victim has suffered a total loss of ₹47 lakh. Firoz was produced in court yesterday morning and later remanded to Tirur Sub-Jail.