Kozhikode: The police on Tuesday arrested a woman from Palakkad for allegedly cheating ₹56.5 lakh from another woman by posing as a lawyer in the Customs panel.

The accused is Praveena (38), of Anand Sadan House, in Olavankode. She was residing at Mannakkaraparamb Regency Line in Edappally, Kochi, at the time of her arrest.

According to the police, Praveena deceived a woman from Mavoor, Kozhikode, by claiming she could arrange large commissions in return for investing money to release gold from Customs custody. Believing her, the complainant reportedly pawned her gold jewellery — in her own name, in the names of friends, and even in the accused’s name — and handed over the amount in instalments to Praveena.

The fraud, which took place from January 2023, came to light only later, when the complainant realised she had been cheated.

A team from the Medical College Police Station, led by Assistant Commissioner U. Umesh, conducted the investigation. Police added that the accused had claimed to be practising at the Ernakulam Bar, though this is yet to be verified.

The investigation team included Inspector Baiju K Jose, Sub Inspectors Arun, Babitha, Senior Civil Police Officer Vinod Raminas and Civil police officer Suraj.