Chennai: Two men were arrested for attempting to cheat bank employees at an Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) branch in Kellys by seeking a refund of an appraisal fee paid for fake gold-plated jewellery that they earlier attempted to pledge for a loan. Police later discovered that the duo had obtained loans worth Rs 12 lakh from two other bank branches using imitation jewellery.
Accused Identified
Police identified the accused as Ramesh Soni, 54, a gold trader from Kondithope, and Tamilselvan, 48, from KP Park in Pulianthope.
Initial Incident at Kellys Branch
According to police, Ramesh Soni visited the Kellys branch on May 7 and attempted to pledge approximately 18 grams of gold-plated imitation jewellery to secure a loan. Kumaran, 27, the branch jewellery appraiser, examined the ornaments and determined that the metal was substandard. The appraiser rejected the loan request and returned the jewellery after Ramesh Soni failed to provide Aadhaar or PAN details. However, the bank collected Rs 500 as an appraisal fee as part of standard banking procedures.
Return for Refund Leads to Arrest
On Thursday, around 2:30 pm, Ramesh Soni and Tamilselvan returned to the branch demanding a refund of the appraisal fee. Suspicious bank employees detained the duo and alerted appraisers from IOB branches in Purasawalkam and Choolai to examine the jewellery. Police were also informed.
Fraudulent Loans Uncovered
Police investigation revealed that the accused had pledged fake gold-plated jewellery at other bank branches and secured loans. Ramasubramanian, 42, a jewellery appraiser at the IOB Purasawalkam branch, informed police that the accused obtained a loan of Rs 7 lakh using imitation jewellery. Mahesh, 54, an appraiser at the IOB Choolai branch, stated that the duo similarly secured Rs 5 lakh by pledging fake gold ornaments.
The two were arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
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